Grand North Atlantic & Northern Europe 2025

There’s history and culture around every bend in Boston—skyscrapers nestle next to historic hotels while modern marketplaces line the antique cobblestone streets. But to Bostonians, living in a city that blends yesterday and today is just another day in beloved Beantown.

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Historic yet revolutionary, few places embody the American dream quite as well as Boston – and you’ll feel the strong independent streak, and pride in the founding ideals of freedom and independence wherever you go. Skyscrapers mingle harmoniously with cobbled streets, and every footstep here promises new tales of legend, daring and valour, as you walk through the pages of history and immerse yourself in the stories of one of the USA’s oldest cities. The flashing colours of Fall – a period when the foliage around Boston explodes with blazes of red, orange and purple – attract visitors from across the world, more than compensating for the northerly city’s harsh winters. Green open spaces like Boston Public Garden also decorate the city, offering breathing space, and the chance to enjoy blossom-perfumed sanctuary,as you sit among scampering squirrels and quiet boating lakes. At times, Boston feels like an open-air history museum, and the Freedom Trail links together the city’s many valuable historic sites. It’s no exaggeration to say that the world’s history pivoted significantly on this humble two-and-a-half-mile trail. Wander across incendiary sites like the Boston Massacre Site, and Bunker Hill – where the first shots of the American Revolutionary War were fired, eventually leading to independence from British rule. Fenway Park is the cathedral-like home of Boston’s famous Red Sox, and a must visit for any sports fan. You’ll also find plenty of acclaimed New England seafood to sample, including famous buttery clam chowder. Restaurants in the thriving Seaport District serve up freshly harvested crab and lobster, accompanied by spectacular views of the crashing Atlantic waves.

Surrounded by natural treasures and glorious seascapes, Halifax is an attractive and vibrant hub with noteworthy historic and modern architecture, great dining and shopping, and a lively nightlife and festival scene. The old city manages to feel both hip and historic. Previous generations had the foresight to preserve the cultural and architectural integrity of the city, yet students from five local universities keep it lively and current. It’s a perfect starting point to any tour of the Atlantic provinces, but even if you don’t venture beyond its boundaries, you will get a real taste of the region.It was Halifax’s natural harbor—the second largest in the world after Sydney, Australia’s—that first drew the British here in 1749, and today most major sites are conveniently located either along it or on the Citadel-crowned hill overlooking it. That’s good news for visitors because this city actually covers quite a bit of ground.Since amalgamating with Dartmouth (directly across the harbor) and several suburbs in 1996, Halifax has been absorbed into the Halifax Regional Municipality, and the HRM, as it is known, has around 415,000 residents. That may not sound like a lot by U.S. standards, but it makes Nova Scotia’s capital the most significant Canadian urban center east of Montréal.There’s easy access to the water, and despite being the focal point of a busy commercial port, Halifax Harbour doubles as a playground, with one of the world’s longest downtown boardwalks. It’s a place where container ships, commuter ferries, cruise ships, and tour boats compete for space, and where workaday tugs and fishing vessels tie up beside glitzy yachts. Like Halifax as a whole, the harbor represents a blend of the traditional and the contemporary.

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A city that thrives on a diet of music, outdoor events and ocean-faring history, Nova Scotia’s capital – and Atlantic Canada’s largest conurbation – oozes salt-licked charm. The star-shaped fortress of Halifax Citadel sits above the city, while down below, Halifax revolves around its bustling harbour. Here, jet-skis skid across the water and heritage ships jaunt out to scenic offshore islands. Music carries on the waterfront’s breeze as summer’s events play out, while a hefty population of pubs and restaurants provides all the space required for sitting back and relaxing. The shorefront boardwalk invites you on a gentle stroll along the waves, wandering back through Halifax’s history. The Canadian Museum of Immigration waits at Pier 21 and was the doorway to a country of opportunity for so many – with over a million immigrants taking their first footsteps into Canada here. The pier’s wooden boards are dotted with cafes, craft shops and artist studios. Sail deeper into seafaring heritage at the maritime museum. As the closest city to the sinking of the Titanic, recovered victims were transported to – and many were buried – in Halifax. The story, and items from the doomed vessel, are displayed in the museum’s collection. Peggy’s Cove lighthouse is nearby, and this immaculate little lighthouse is one of Canada’s favourite, watching out stoically over the Atlantic’s waves. With rich pickings available from its coastal location, the fruits of the sea are served up in the fryers of Halifax’s varied restaurants – try seared scallops and juicy mussels. Round off any meal with a buttery blueberry grunt dessert – delicious when served up warm with a dollop of melting vanilla ice cream.

Old meets new in the province’s capital (metro-area population a little more than 200,000), with modern office buildings surrounded by heritage shops and colorful row houses. St. John’s mixes English and Irish influences, Victorian architecture and modern convenience, and traditional music and rock and roll into a heady brew. The arts scene is lively, but overall the city moves at a relaxed pace.For centuries, Newfoundland was the largest supplier of salt cod in the world, and St. John’s Harbour was the center of the trade. As early as 1627, the merchants of Water Street—then known as the Lower Path—were doing a thriving business buying fish, selling goods, and supplying alcohol to soldiers and sailors.

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Colourful white-trimmed buildings splash a haze of bright-beauty across the spectacular Newfoundland coastline of St John’s. Picturesque steep streets roll down to the seafront and the charming architecture contrasts beautifully against the wild and rugged shoreline with redolent pine forests spreading out behind. The province’s capital St John’s is a lively outpost – and one of North America’s oldest and most historically engaging places. A rich trading history of haggling and hawking has played out on these animated historic streets – especially Water Street which is one of North America’s oldest. St John’s boasts incredible history as the launch point for daring transatlantic voyages and a leap of human ingenuity is celebrated on Signal Hill. It was here where the first transatlantic transmission was received in 1901. Rise up to receive stunning views of the Atlantic and the city spreading around the harbour from the fortified Cabot Tower. Rugged hiking trails and puffin-nesting cliffs add extra character to this remarkable island. The twin bell towers of the Basilica of St John the Baptist are a St John’s landmark and a National Historic Site dedicated to the city’s namesake saint. The Quidi Vidi fishing village is an arresting stop inhabited by busy artisans and local craft brewers – who produce characterful beers befitting this exuberant city of bold colours. George Street is the perfect spot to try a glass or two – the street is said to have the most bars per person of anywhere in Canada.

Nestled behind lofty city walls, Londonderry is a destination of culture, which boasts an increasingly envied reputation. This Northern Irish city is still riding on the momentum of a fantastic 2013, when it was named as UK City of Culture, and singled out as one of Lonely Planet’s top 5 destinations to visit. The wonderfully preserved city walls are perhaps Londonderry’s most treasured charm, and they encircle 1,450 years of history, and are over 400 years old. The walls came to the fore of the city’s history during the Siege of Derry, back in 1688 – when King James’s forces attacked, causing mass starvation and suffering over 105 days of stalemate. It takes approximately an hour to wander the entire circuit of the walls, and see their seven gates, and you’ll absorb a feast of information along the way. View the mighty cannons that boomed during the siege, or stop into one of the plentiful cafes, should you need a little refreshment before continuing your journey. St. Columb’s Cathedral, which dates back to 1633, towers over the walled city, and is one of the city’s most significant historic sites. Its dreamy spire contains a set of bells that have peeled out melodies here since 1638, making them Ireland’s oldest.

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Nestled behind lofty city walls, Londonderry is a destination of culture, which boasts an increasingly envied reputation. This Northern Irish city is still riding on the momentum of a fantastic 2013, when it was named as UK City of Culture, and singled out as one of Lonely Planet’s top 5 destinations to visit. The wonderfully preserved city walls are perhaps Londonderry’s most treasured charm, and they encircle 1,450 years of history, and are over 400 years old. The walls came to the fore of the city’s history during the Siege of Derry, back in 1688 – when King James’s forces attacked, causing mass starvation and suffering over 105 days of stalemate. It takes approximately an hour to wander the entire circuit of the walls, and see their seven gates, and you’ll absorb a feast of information along the way. View the mighty cannons that boomed during the siege, or stop into one of the plentiful cafes, should you need a little refreshment before continuing your journey. St. Columb’s Cathedral, which dates back to 1633, towers over the walled city, and is one of the city’s most significant historic sites. Its dreamy spire contains a set of bells that have peeled out melodies here since 1638, making them Ireland’s oldest.

Before English and Scottish settlers arrived in the 1600s, Belfast was a tiny village called Béal Feirste (“sandbank ford”) belonging to Ulster’s ancient O’Neill clan. With the advent of the Plantation period (when settlers arrived in the 1600s), Sir Arthur Chichester, from Devon in southwestern England, received the city from the English Crown, and his son was made Earl of Donegall. Huguenots fleeing persecution from France settled near here, bringing their valuable linen-work skills. In the 18th century, Belfast underwent a phenomenal expansion—its population doubled every 10 years, despite an ever-present sectarian divide. Although the Anglican gentry despised the Presbyterian artisans—who, in turn, distrusted the native Catholics—Belfast’s growth continued at a dizzying speed. The city was a great Victorian success story, an industrial boomtown whose prosperity was built on trade, especially linen and shipbuilding. Famously (or infamously), the Titanic was built here, giving Belfast, for a time, the nickname “Titanic Town.” Having laid the foundation stone of the city’s university in 1845, Queen Victoria returned to Belfast in 1849 (she is recalled in the names of buildings, streets, bars, monuments, and other places around the city), and in the same year, the university opened under the name Queen’s College. Nearly 40 years later, in 1888, Victoria granted Belfast its city charter. Today its population is nearly 300,000, tourist numbers have increased, and this dramatically transformed city is enjoying an unparalleled renaissance.This is all a welcome change from the period when news about Belfast meant reports about “the Troubles.” Since the 1994 ceasefire, Northern Ireland’s capital city has benefited from major hotel investment, gentrified quaysides (or strands), a sophisticated new performing arts center, and major initiatives to boost tourism. Although the 1996 bombing of offices at Canary Wharf in London disrupted the 1994 peace agreement, the ceasefire was officially reestablished on July 20, 1997, and this embattled city began its quest for a newfound identity.Since 2008, the city has restored all its major public buildings such as museums, churches, theaters, City Hall, Ulster Hall—and even the glorious Crown Bar—spending millions of pounds on its built heritage. A gaol that at the height of the Troubles held some of the most notorious murderers involved in paramilitary violence is now a major visitor attraction.Belfast’s city center is made up of three roughly contiguous areas that are easy to navigate on foot. From the south end to the north, it’s about an hour’s leisurely walk.

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Reborn as a cool modern city Belfast has successfully left its troubles behind emerging as a hotbed of culture and architecture where the comfort of a cosy pub is never far away. A walk across the Lagan Weir Footbridge brings you to Belfast’s fascinating Titanic District – an area of the city devoted to its rich ship-building heritage. The state-of-the-art Titanic Museum brings the story of the doomed vessel to life and is the largest museum dedicated to the infamously ‘unsinkable’ ship. There’s just enough time to give the 10-metre long Salmon of Knowledge sculpture a quick peck for luck before continuing to explore. A stark barbed wire and graffitied sheet metal barrier marks an abrupt scar through the city’s residential areas. The Peace Line was constructed during the height of the Troubles when Belfast was plagued by sectarian divisions between Protestants and Catholics. Nowadays you can jump in a black taxi tour to see the colourful murals and living history of the walls which stand as a stark reminder of the fragility of peace. After exploring the city’s historic divisions a reminder of Belfast’s uniting creativity can be found at the Metropolitan Arts Centre – a seven-storey tall building which invites light to gloriously cascade inside. The Cathedral Quarter is a cobbled blend of flower-adorned pubs restaurants and theatres and venues where music spills out onto the streets at night and many a pint is cheerily shared.

Before English and Scottish settlers arrived in the 1600s, Belfast was a tiny village called Béal Feirste (“sandbank ford”) belonging to Ulster’s ancient O’Neill clan. With the advent of the Plantation period (when settlers arrived in the 1600s), Sir Arthur Chichester, from Devon in southwestern England, received the city from the English Crown, and his son was made Earl of Donegall. Huguenots fleeing persecution from France settled near here, bringing their valuable linen-work skills. In the 18th century, Belfast underwent a phenomenal expansion—its population doubled every 10 years, despite an ever-present sectarian divide. Although the Anglican gentry despised the Presbyterian artisans—who, in turn, distrusted the native Catholics—Belfast’s growth continued at a dizzying speed. The city was a great Victorian success story, an industrial boomtown whose prosperity was built on trade, especially linen and shipbuilding. Famously (or infamously), the Titanic was built here, giving Belfast, for a time, the nickname “Titanic Town.” Having laid the foundation stone of the city’s university in 1845, Queen Victoria returned to Belfast in 1849 (she is recalled in the names of buildings, streets, bars, monuments, and other places around the city), and in the same year, the university opened under the name Queen’s College. Nearly 40 years later, in 1888, Victoria granted Belfast its city charter. Today its population is nearly 300,000, tourist numbers have increased, and this dramatically transformed city is enjoying an unparalleled renaissance.This is all a welcome change from the period when news about Belfast meant reports about “the Troubles.” Since the 1994 ceasefire, Northern Ireland’s capital city has benefited from major hotel investment, gentrified quaysides (or strands), a sophisticated new performing arts center, and major initiatives to boost tourism. Although the 1996 bombing of offices at Canary Wharf in London disrupted the 1994 peace agreement, the ceasefire was officially reestablished on July 20, 1997, and this embattled city began its quest for a newfound identity.Since 2008, the city has restored all its major public buildings such as museums, churches, theaters, City Hall, Ulster Hall—and even the glorious Crown Bar—spending millions of pounds on its built heritage. A gaol that at the height of the Troubles held some of the most notorious murderers involved in paramilitary violence is now a major visitor attraction.Belfast’s city center is made up of three roughly contiguous areas that are easy to navigate on foot. From the south end to the north, it’s about an hour’s leisurely walk.

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Reborn as a cool modern city Belfast has successfully left its troubles behind emerging as a hotbed of culture and architecture where the comfort of a cosy pub is never far away. A walk across the Lagan Weir Footbridge brings you to Belfast’s fascinating Titanic District – an area of the city devoted to its rich ship-building heritage. The state-of-the-art Titanic Museum brings the story of the doomed vessel to life and is the largest museum dedicated to the infamously ‘unsinkable’ ship. There’s just enough time to give the 10-metre long Salmon of Knowledge sculpture a quick peck for luck before continuing to explore. A stark barbed wire and graffitied sheet metal barrier marks an abrupt scar through the city’s residential areas. The Peace Line was constructed during the height of the Troubles when Belfast was plagued by sectarian divisions between Protestants and Catholics. Nowadays you can jump in a black taxi tour to see the colourful murals and living history of the walls which stand as a stark reminder of the fragility of peace. After exploring the city’s historic divisions a reminder of Belfast’s uniting creativity can be found at the Metropolitan Arts Centre – a seven-storey tall building which invites light to gloriously cascade inside. The Cathedral Quarter is a cobbled blend of flower-adorned pubs restaurants and theatres and venues where music spills out onto the streets at night and many a pint is cheerily shared.

The Isle of Man, situated in the Irish Sea off the west coast of England, is a mountainous, cliff-fringed island and one of Britain’s most beautiful spots. Measuring just 30 miles by 13 miles, the Isle of Man remains semi-autonomous. With its own postage stamps, laws, currency, and the Court of Tynwald (the world’s oldest democratic parliament), the Isle of Man is rich with history and lore.Inhabited from Neolithic times, the island became a refuge for Irish missionaries after the 5th Century. Norsemen took the island during the 9th Century and sold it to Scotland in 1266. However, since the 14th Century, it has been held by England. Manx, the indigenous Celtic language, is still spoken by a small minority. The Isle of Man has no income tax, which has encouraged many Britains to regard the island as a refuge. Otherwise, it is populated by Gaelic farmers, fishermen, and the famous tailless manx cats. The varied landscape features austere moorlands and wooded glens, interspersed by fine castles, narrow-gauge railways, and scores of standing stones with Celtic crosses. The hilly terrain rises to a height of 2,036 feet at Mount Snaefell, which dominates the center of the island.

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The Isle of Man, off England’s west coast (and Ireland’s east) needs no introduction. Its Celtic history is legendary, its political past labyrinthine and its national symbol – a three legged figure with neither body nor head – an enigma that has been foxing historians for centuries. Do not confuse the Isle of Man with the United Kingdom. It does have “crown dependency” similar to Jersey, but the 32-mile-long island is entirely self-governed. It changed hands between England and Scotland many times during the middle ages but fell under British rule in 1399. However, when the feudal lordship was revested in 1765, the island never became part of the United Kingdom. And has remained independent ever since.

Dublin is making a comeback. The decade-long “Celtic Tiger” boom era was quickly followed by the Great Recession, but The Recovery has finally taken a precarious hold. For visitors, this newer and wiser Dublin has become one of western Europe’s most popular and delightful urban destinations. Whether or not you’re out to enjoy the old or new Dublin, you’ll find it a colossally entertaining city, all the more astonishing considering its intimate size.It is ironic and telling that James Joyce chose Dublin as the setting for his famous Ulysses, Dubliners, and A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man because it was a “center of paralysis” where nothing much ever changed. Which only proves that even the greats get it wrong sometimes. Indeed, if Joyce were to return to his once-genteel hometown today—disappointed with the city’s provincial outlook, he left it in 1902 at the age of 20—and take a quasi-Homeric odyssey through the city (as he so famously does in Ulysses), would he even recognize Dublin as his “Dear Dirty Dumpling, foostherfather of fingalls and dotthergills”?For instance, what would he make of Temple Bar—the city’s erstwhile down-at-the-heels neighborhood, now crammed with cafés and trendy hotels and suffused with a nonstop, international-party atmosphere? Or the simple sophistication of the open-air restaurants of the tiny Italian Quarter (named Quartier Bloom after his own creation), complete with sultry tango lessons? Or of the hot–cool Irishness, where every aspect of Celtic culture results in sold-out theaters, from Once, the cult indie movie and Broadway hit, to Riverdance, the old Irish mass-jig recast as a Las Vegas extravaganza? Plus, the resurrected Joyce might be stirred by the songs of Hozier, fired up by the sultry acting of Michael Fassbender, and moved by the award-winning novels of Colum McCann. As for Ireland’s capital, it’s packed with elegant shops and hotels, theaters, galleries, coffeehouses, and a stunning variety of new, creative little restaurants can be found on almost every street in Dublin, transforming the provincial city that suffocated Joyce into a place almost as cosmopolitan as the Paris to which he fled. And the locals are a hell of a lot more fun! Now that the economy has finally turned a corner, Dublin citizens can cast a cool eye over the last 20 crazy years. Some argue that the boomtown transformation of their heretofore-tranquil city has permanently affected its spirit and character. These skeptics (skepticism long being a favorite pastime in the capital city) await the outcome of “Dublin: The Sequel,” and their greatest fear is the possibility that the tattered old lady on the Liffey has become a little less unique, a little more like everywhere else.Oh ye of little faith: the rare ole gem that is Dublin is far from buried. The fundamentals—the Georgian elegance of Merrion Square, the Norman drama of Christ Church Cathedral, the foamy pint at an atmospheric pub—are still on hand to gratify. Most of all, there are the locals themselves: the nod and grin when you catch their eye on the street, the eagerness to hear half your life story before they tell you all of theirs, and their paradoxically dark but warm sense of humor. It’s expected that 2016 will be an extra-special year in the capital, as centenary celebrations of the fateful 1916 Easter Rising will dominate much of the cultural calendar.

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Atmospheric cobbled streets with buskers scraping fiddles and characterful pubs inviting passersby inside is Dublin in a snapshot. Horse-drawn carriages plod along cobbled centuries-old streets blending with an easy-going cosmopolitan outlook. Known for its fun-filled gathering of pubs any excuse works to enjoy a celebratory toast and chat among good company. Home to perhaps the world’s most famous beer – slurp perfect pourings of thick dark Guinness – cranked out for the city’s thirsty punters. Learn more of the humble pint’s journey at the Guinness Storehouse. Dublin has come along way since the Vikings established a trading port here back in the 9th Century. In the time since the city became the British Empire’s defacto second city and the Georgian imprint still adds oodles of historic character. Learn of 1916’s Easter Uprising when the Irish rebelled and established their independence here as you visit the infamous haunting Kilmainham Gaol. The uprising’s leaders were tried and executed in these dark confines. Dublin’s St. Patrick’s Cathedral has immense history below its steep spire which dates back to 1191. There’s rich literary heritage to leaf through too and the city’s streets were rendered vividly in James Joyce’s classic Ullyses. The Museum of Literature celebrates the full scope of Dublin’s lyrical talents. Trinity College also has a prestigious roll-call of alumni – visit to see the Book of Kells a beautifully illustrated bible of the medieval era.

From world-class attractions and sports to legendary music, Liverpool offers old-world charm with modern sophistication, underpinned by a rich cultural history.

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Who can say Liverpool with thinking of the Beatles? Home to the fab four, Penny Lane, Strawberry Fields and the Cavern Club, this northern English city is undoubtedly one of the most important places on the 20th century music scene. Even UNESCO agrees – Liverpool became a City of Music (one of only 19 in the world) in 2015. So understandably, it’s bursting with pride. Not only for its most famous former residents but also its football team, its maritime heritage and its thriving cultural scene (it was Capital of Culture in 2008). A huge regeneration project over the past two decades has seen Liverpool blossom from being a below-par northern English city to a somewhere buzzing with charm. The arrival of the Tate Liverpool paved the way – quickly followed by the restoration of some 2,500 plus listed buildings (that’s more than any English city outside London). The waterfront revitalisation came next with bars, clubs, galleries and independent boutiques, giving Liverpool some of the best dining and shopping there is. Don’t leave here without tasting Scouse – a traditional beef stew – and from where Livepudlians draw their nickname “Scousers”.Culturally speaking, Liverpool is “bang on” as Scousers would say. The three Graces (named after the Greek goddesses of charm, beauty and creativity) line the waterfront, and are responsible in part for Liverpool’s second UNESCO gong as a World Heritage Site. Further afield, the lovely parks and Crosby Beach offer welcome respite from the urban hub.

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Perched on a clifftop and stunningly picturesque Fishguard is considered the very heart of North Pembrokeshire. A small market town that almost seems untouched by time you’ll find clusters of quayside cottages family businesses selling local produce and plenty of Gaelic charm! Market day falls on a Saturday and although principally food there are some stalls selling local arts and crafts too. If you are not lucky enough to be visiting on market day the pretty high street has some lovely shops where you can easily while away a couple of hours. Known internationally as the place of the last invasion of Britain when the French landed in 1797 the village heaves with history. Historians will of course already know that the two-day invasion soon failed and the peace treaty was signed in the Royal Oak pub in the market square. The calm waters are perfect for kayaking while walkers will love the national parks that are filled with signposted trails for all levels of ability. Cyclist of all levels will also be pleased Fishguard and its surroundings do have a few hills but also lots of straight roads that offer a gentle visit of the stunning landscape. If all the activity gets too much for you then why not enjoy a delicious local welsh cake in one of the pretty cafes or head to the town hall and have a look at the 100 foot long Last Invasion Tapestry a humorous and entertaining story in a Bayeux tapestry style of the 1797 invasion of mainland Britain.

The capital city of Wales, Cardiff is a hub of entertainment. The city is popular for its history and bay area, as well as its cosmopolitan centre for shopping, eating and entertainment.

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The red dragon roars with culture and vibrancy in the Welsh capital. Home to two gothic castles one whose foundations reportedly date back to 50AD Cardiff is a city that brims with life yet retains its very deep roots in the past. A source of national pride the majestic Cardiff Castle and the fairy tale Castell Coch are monuments to eccentric that are well worth a visit. But this is also a city that has gown with cosmopolitan influence and creativity. The city centre houses the original Victorian shopping arcades but is filled with independent cafes bars restaurants and shops. A stroll along romantic Mermaid Quay will have you quoting Dylan Thomas in no time! For those who like to spread their wings a little further Tintern Abbey Gower (an outstanding area of natural beauty) and the Breacon Beacons – complete with working steam engine are all less than an hour away.

Located approximately 12 miles from the Cotentin Peninsula in Normandy (France), and 100 miles from the south coast of Great Britain, the British Crown dependency of Jersey is the largest of the Channel Islands and shares a World War II German occupied history.

The bustle of this resort town’s fishing harbor, yachting center, and commercial port only adds to its charm. In the 18th century Falmouth was the main mail-boat port for North America, and in Flushing, a village across the inlet, you can see the slate-covered houses built by prosperous mail-boat captains. A ferry service now links the two towns. On Custom House Quay, off Arwenack Street, is the King’s Pipe, an oven in which seized contraband was burned.

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The bustle of this resort town’s fishing harbor, yachting center, and commercial port only adds to its charm. In the 18th century Falmouth was the main mail-boat port for North America, and in Flushing, a village across the inlet, you can see the slate-covered houses built by prosperous mail-boat captains. A ferry service now links the two towns. On Custom House Quay, off Arwenack Street, is the King’s Pipe, an oven in which seized contraband was burned.

The Isle of Portland is a tied island, 6 kilometres long by 2.7 kilometres wide, in the English Channel. The southern tip, Portland Bill lies 8 kilometres south of the resort of Weymouth, forming the southernmost point of the county of Dorset, England. A barrier beach called Chesil Beach joins it to the mainland.

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The tied island of Portland sprawls out attractively into the English Channel linked to the mainland by just the Chesil barrier beach’s thin sliver of sand. Portland forms part of England’s dramatic Jurassic Coast a UNESCO World Heritage Site of limestone cliffs coastal rock formations and beautiful bays. It may be a tiny teardrop of an island but with pirate heritage historic castles and soaring lighthouses there’s a lot to keep you busy as you soak in Dorset’s relentlessly wonderful coastal appeals. Photograph the handsome white and red-banded lighthouse which watches out over the rock-interrupted waves on a breathtakingly photogenic outcrop. Flashing out warnings of a hull-shredding offshore bank the lighthouse marks the southern tip of this island and lurches out five miles towards the Channel Islands. Rock mined from Portland has been used to create some of the most famous buildings in the world including St Paul’s Cathedral and the United Nations’ Building of New York. The stunning natural arch of Durdle Door is close by – looming over a scenic cove it is undoubtedly one of England’s prettiest beaches and most beautiful natural landmarks. A 16th-century Tudor castle stands guard over Portland’s harbour and was one of London 2012’s more unusual Olympic venues hosting sailing events. You can also learn of D-Day history and the role this area played in one of the most important land invasions ever seen at Castletown D-Day Centre.

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Oh la la! Prepare yourself for a taste of living life a la Francaise in Rouen. Gothic architecture and history at every turn? Wide, leafy squares and timbered Norman houses? Enough French food that will keep your stomach full and tastebuds happy for hours? Yes, Rouen is all that and more. Set on the banks of the Seine and less than two hours from Paris, Rouen is about as French as you can get.The city’s roots go back to the 10th century, when Vikings and Romans laid claim to the city. If you think that the cathedral looks familiar that’s probably because Rouen’s most famous resident Claude Monet painted the city in his many canvases. But well before the impressionist painter immortalised Rouen with his beautiful brushwork, the city was host to many other famous faces. William the Conquerer, Richard the Lionheart, Joan of Arc… take your pick. While the others may have left their hearts metaphorically, Joan actually did leave hers – on a funeral pyre inn 1431. A museum to the Roman Catholic saint opened in 2015.Touring the city by foot is by far the best way to discover the riches of Rouen. The emblematic Gros Horlage (Big Clock) is by far the city’s number one must see but with gothic churches streets at every turn, every sight is a marvel. If you get bored of strolling the cobbled streets, head for the ceramic museum, in the Hôtel d’Hocqueville, for a wonderful collection of Sèvres porcelain. The elegant seaside resort of Deauville, as well as the D-Day beaches are just a short drive away.

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Oh la la! Prepare yourself for a taste of living life a la Francaise in Rouen. Gothic architecture and history at every turn? Wide, leafy squares and timbered Norman houses? Enough French food that will keep your stomach full and tastebuds happy for hours? Yes, Rouen is all that and more. Set on the banks of the Seine and less than two hours from Paris, Rouen is about as French as you can get.The city’s roots go back to the 10th century, when Vikings and Romans laid claim to the city. If you think that the cathedral looks familiar that’s probably because Rouen’s most famous resident Claude Monet painted the city in his many canvases. But well before the impressionist painter immortalised Rouen with his beautiful brushwork, the city was host to many other famous faces. William the Conquerer, Richard the Lionheart, Joan of Arc… take your pick. While the others may have left their hearts metaphorically, Joan actually did leave hers – on a funeral pyre inn 1431. A museum to the Roman Catholic saint opened in 2015.Touring the city by foot is by far the best way to discover the riches of Rouen. The emblematic Gros Horlage (Big Clock) is by far the city’s number one must see but with gothic churches streets at every turn, every sight is a marvel. If you get bored of strolling the cobbled streets, head for the ceramic museum, in the Hôtel d’Hocqueville, for a wonderful collection of Sèvres porcelain. The elegant seaside resort of Deauville, as well as the D-Day beaches are just a short drive away.

In 1895 work began to construct a new seaport and harbour next to the tiny village of Zeebrugge, situated on the North Sea coast. Today the fast-expanding port of Zeebrugge is one of the busiest in Europe and its marina is Belgium’s most important fishing port. Many attempts were made to destroy this important port during both World Wars. Zeebrugge is ideally located for discovering the historic city of Bruges, and delightful seaside resorts with long sandy beaches can be visited by using the trams that run the whole length of the Belgian coast. Please note that no food may be taken ashore in Belgium. We shall not be offering shuttle buses to Bruges, but you may visit the city on an optional excursion: those visiting Bruges should note that there may be quite a long walk from the coach to the town centre.

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The ultimate fairytale city Bruges is a snowglobe medieval town brought to life and lovingly preserved. The medieval majesty rises just inland from Zeebruge’s busy port and sandy beaches and the two are linked by the short stretch of the Baudouin Canal. Arrive in Bruges to discover a dreamlike place where time has stood still. Explore the Unesco World Heritage Site centre to wander at leisure among some of the world’s most atmospheric streets. Laced with pretty canals winding paths of cobbled stones and glorious squares surrounded by soaring church spires Bruges is an irresistible journey back through time. A city for the seasons see the towering cups of tulips glowing or snowy layers adding a cosy blanket during winter. The climb is not to be underestimated but there are few better places to start a visit to Bruges than the ascent up to the 83-metre lookout of the Belfry of Bruges which rockets up from the city’s primary market square. Discover the city’s pretty canals and admire the colour-splashed facades – tangled with ivy – that line up appealingly on their banks. With plenty of museums and galleries among the incredible architecture Bruges is a city that effortlessly lives up to its heavy hyping and there are countless cultural attractions to immerse yourself in. Indulge a sweet tooth at the chocolate museum – or sample the wares of countless artisan chocolate shops – to leave this Zeebrugge’s port with the most satisfying of tastes lingering.

Rotterdam is a city that’s a long way removed from most people’s stereotypical notion of the Netherlands. There are few, if any, canals to be found here nor are there any quaint windmills. There is, however, a thriving modern city which is one of the busiest ports in the entire world.

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Bustling Rotterdam symbolizes the heart, courage and industry of the Dutch people. The city, a tribute to modern Dutch architecture and engineering, was almost destroyed in 1940 but has regained its position as one of the world’s largest ports. From the 14th to the 17th centuries, Rotterdam’s progress was more or less uninterrupted, and Dutch trade as well as colonizing expeditions to the East used the port as a base. With railroads coming to Rotterdam in the 18th and 19th centuries, the port expanded even more and transit trade grew. After 1940, nearly the entire city was rebuilt and since then more wealth has flowed in, largely as a result of Rotterdam’s growing petrochemicals industry and the trade through its huge port. Today, Rotterdam has the distinction as one of the few really modern cities in the Netherlands and as the country’s major transportation hub. History can be found at ancient Delfshaven in Rotterdam’s western district. Once a port in its own right, it was from here that the Speedwell left in 1620, carrying the small group of English Separatists, known later as the Pilgrims, to the New World. By contrast, modern architecture is represented in the city center where an intriguing series of cube-shaped dwellings balance on a tall stem. For art lovers there is no lack of outstanding art collections to be found in a number of fine museums, and philosophers recall Rotterdam as the city of Erasmus. Popular sights around town center can be explored on foot, while The Hague, Delft, historic Gouda and Amsterdam are just short drives away. A harbor cruise ranks high on the list of must-dos for most visitors to Rotterdam. Pier Information The ship is scheduled to dock at the Cruise Terminal located at the Holland America Quay. The city center (main street Coolsingle, site of the City Hall and Post Office) are a 15-20 minute drive from the port. Taxis are generally available at the pier. Shopping Rotterdam is touted as one of most sophisticated cities in this part of the world, and its shops reflect the city’s cosmopolitan outlook. In addition to typical Dutch handicrafts, you will find here designer clothing, jewelry, furniture and art. The main shopping areas include Lijnbaan, Binnenwegplain, Witte de Wittsraat and Oldebarneveltplaats. The local currency is the euro. Cuisine As a bustling, cosmopolitan city, Rotterdam offers a wide range of dining possibilities, from inexpensive food at roadside eateries to haute cuisine at elegant restaurants. Dutch delicatessens abound and there are numerous establishments that serve Indonesian, Chinese, Indian, African and Italian food. A special treat could be a luncheon at the new Euromast Brasserie, 300 feet above the ground with a 360 degree view of the world’s largest port and Rotterdam’s intriguing skyline (reservations required). Other Sites Prince Henry Maritime Museum Located at the head of the quay, the museum features exhibits devoted to the history and activity of the great port. Moored adjacent to the museum is the 19th-century Royal Dutch Navy warship De Buffel . Museum Boijmans van Beuningen Housed in a stunning building, the museum’s greatest attraction is the collection of old masters. View such treasures as Pieter Brueghel the Elder’s Tower of Babel to Peter Paul Rubens’ Nereid and Triton . The modern art section has a broad range, from Warhol and beyond, covering the period from 1850 to the present. In the museum café, you can see a fantastic collection of chairs, each by a different designer. Euromast The 605-foot-tall Euromast is one of the city’s most notable tourist attractions. For many years it was the highest building in Rotterdam. From the vantage point of the Euromast observation tower one can enjoy a great panoramic vista of the harbor and the city. New York Hotel At the very tip of Holland America Quay stands the former Holland America Line building, now converted into the New York Hotel. Many of the rooms still retain furnishings as a reminder of a bygone era. Private arrangements for independent sightseeing may be requested through the Tour Office on board.

Don’t tell the residents of Göteborg that they live in Sweden’s “second city,” but not because they will get upset (people here are known for their amiability and good humor). They just may not understand what you are talking about. People who call Göteborg (pronounced YOO-teh-bor; most visitors stick with the simpler “Gothenburg”) home seem to forget that the city is diminutive in size and status compared to Stockholm.Spend a couple of days here and you’ll forget, too. You’ll find it’s easier to ask what Göteborg hasn’t got to offer rather than what it has. Culturally it is superb, boasting a fine opera house and theater, one of the country’s best art museums, as well as a fantastic applied-arts museum. There’s plenty of history to soak up, from the ancient port that gave the city its start to the 19th-century factory buildings and workers’ houses that helped put it on the commercial map. For those looking for nature, the wild-west coast and tame green fields are both within striking distance. And don’t forget the food. Since its inception in 1983, more than half of the “Swedish Chef of the Year” competition winners were cooking in Göteborg.

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Don’t tell the residents of Göteborg that they live in Sweden’s “second city,” but not because they will get upset (people here are known for their amiability and good humor). They just may not understand what you are talking about. People who call Göteborg (pronounced YOO-teh-bor; most visitors stick with the simpler “Gothenburg”) home seem to forget that the city is diminutive in size and status compared to Stockholm.Spend a couple of days here and you’ll forget, too. You’ll find it’s easier to ask what Göteborg hasn’t got to offer rather than what it has. Culturally it is superb, boasting a fine opera house and theater, one of the country’s best art museums, as well as a fantastic applied-arts museum. There’s plenty of history to soak up, from the ancient port that gave the city its start to the 19th-century factory buildings and workers’ houses that helped put it on the commercial map. For those looking for nature, the wild-west coast and tame green fields are both within striking distance. And don’t forget the food. Since its inception in 1983, more than half of the “Swedish Chef of the Year” competition winners were cooking in Göteborg.

By the 11th century, Copenhagen was already an important trading and fishing centre and today you will find an attractive city which, although the largest in Scandinavia, has managed to retain its low-level skyline. Discover some of the famous attractions including Gefion Fountain and Amalienborg Palace, perhaps cruise the city’s waterways, visit Rosenborg Castle or explore the medieval fishing village of Dragoer. Once the home of Hans Christian Andersen, Copenhagen features many reminders of its fairytale heritage and lives up to the reputation immortalised in the famous song ‘Wonderful Copenhagen’.

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Effortlessly cool and down to earth, Copenhagen is a contemporary, clean and classy highlight of Scandinavia. A city built to be liveable, Copenhagen has refused to compromise, resulting in a forward-thinking metropolis that’s green and clean. Swim in the waters of Havnebadet Islands during summer, or shelter from winter’s bite by snuggling in beside a roaring open fire during winter. You can even hop on a train to Sweden, traversing the famous span of a Nordic Noir star – the Öresund Bridge. It takes just a touch over half an hour to step off the train in Malmö. There’s only one way to truly explore Copenhagen and that’s on two wheels. Easy bike hire schemes will get you moving across this flat city, designed with bikes at the forefront of the mind. Choose a model with electronic assistance to take the strain out of any journey, giving you the freedom to whizz around and explore the modern angular architecture of the centre, and the pastoral colours of Nyhavn waterfront. Head out to the Little Mermaid statue, inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tale – the strikingly-restrained statue is the perfect landmark for Copenhagen; unshowy, self-assured and utterly irresistible. The Danish concept of hygge is very much alive here, and you’ll feel that warm cosy feeling as you visit cafes illuminated by the warm glow of hanging filament bulbs, and stuffed to the brim with thick, dusty books. Home to mega-brewer Carlsberg, Copenhagen is also a city for hop enthusiasts, and there is a thriving craft brewing scene to sample. Danish Smørrebrød sandwiches are a must try, or for something a little more substantial, settle in for a culinary voyage and try a taster menu – the city’s restaurants are littered with Michelin stars.

By the 11th century, Copenhagen was already an important trading and fishing centre and today you will find an attractive city which, although the largest in Scandinavia, has managed to retain its low-level skyline. Discover some of the famous attractions including Gefion Fountain and Amalienborg Palace, perhaps cruise the city’s waterways, visit Rosenborg Castle or explore the medieval fishing village of Dragoer. Once the home of Hans Christian Andersen, Copenhagen features many reminders of its fairytale heritage and lives up to the reputation immortalised in the famous song ‘Wonderful Copenhagen’.

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Effortlessly cool and down to earth, Copenhagen is a contemporary, clean and classy highlight of Scandinavia. A city built to be liveable, Copenhagen has refused to compromise, resulting in a forward-thinking metropolis that’s green and clean. Swim in the waters of Havnebadet Islands during summer, or shelter from winter’s bite by snuggling in beside a roaring open fire during winter. You can even hop on a train to Sweden, traversing the famous span of a Nordic Noir star – the Öresund Bridge. It takes just a touch over half an hour to step off the train in Malmö. There’s only one way to truly explore Copenhagen and that’s on two wheels. Easy bike hire schemes will get you moving across this flat city, designed with bikes at the forefront of the mind. Choose a model with electronic assistance to take the strain out of any journey, giving you the freedom to whizz around and explore the modern angular architecture of the centre, and the pastoral colours of Nyhavn waterfront. Head out to the Little Mermaid statue, inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tale – the strikingly-restrained statue is the perfect landmark for Copenhagen; unshowy, self-assured and utterly irresistible. The Danish concept of hygge is very much alive here, and you’ll feel that warm cosy feeling as you visit cafes illuminated by the warm glow of hanging filament bulbs, and stuffed to the brim with thick, dusty books. Home to mega-brewer Carlsberg, Copenhagen is also a city for hop enthusiasts, and there is a thriving craft brewing scene to sample. Danish Smørrebrød sandwiches are a must try, or for something a little more substantial, settle in for a culinary voyage and try a taster menu – the city’s restaurants are littered with Michelin stars.

Stockholm is a city in the flush of its second youth. Since the mid-1990s, Sweden’s capital has emerged from its cold, Nordic shadow to take the stage as a truly international city. What started with entry into the European Union in 1995 gained pace with the extraordinary IT boom of the late 1990s, strengthened with the Skype-led IT second wave of 2003, and solidified with the hedge-fund invasion that is still happening today as Stockholm gains even more global confidence. And despite more recent economic turmoil, Stockholm’s 1 million or so inhabitants have, almost as one, realized that their city is one to rival Paris, London, New York, or any other great metropolis.With this realization comes change. Stockholm has become a city of design, fashion, innovation, technology, and world-class food, pairing homegrown talent with an international outlook. The streets are flowing with a young and confident population keen to drink in everything the city has to offer. The glittering feeling of optimism, success, and living in the here and now is rampant in Stockholm.Stockholm also has plenty of history. Positioned where the waters of Lake Mälaren rush into the Baltic, it’s been an important trading site and a wealthy international city for centuries. Built on 14 islands joined by bridges crossing open bays and narrow channels, Stockholm boasts the story of its history in its glorious medieval old town, grand palaces, ancient churches, sturdy edifices, public parks, and 19th-century museums—its history is soaked into the very fabric of its airy boulevards, built as a public display of trading glory.

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Stylish Stockholm has enough to occupy you for a lifetime from cathedral-like food markets to simmering baths and natural escapes. Visit the staggeringly beautiful interior of Stockholm’s City Hall or learn more about one of Sweden’s best-known exports – with a visit to the ABBA museum. The history is deep and the architecture typically stylish as you explore this capital of Scandi cool. The Gamla Stan old town is a storied historic core of cobbled streets and brightly hued towering townhouses standing side by side. Attractive squares fill with the smells of fried herring from traditional restaurants while the latest culinary trends sweep through the city’s revered kitchens. Breathe in the crisp clean air and relish the tranquillity and atmosphere of a truly great and grand Baltic city. Stockholm’s visitors and residents spill outdoors in the summertime to the city’s beaches and the archipelago’s scattering of 24 000 islands and islets nearby. Steamboats puff scenic routes between them. Stockholm itself sprawls across 14 islands interlinked with dozens of arching bridges. Shimmering canals and leafy green parks offer peace and sanctuary within the city while trendy bars coffee shops and rooftop cocktail joints add to the hip and happening appeal. Stockholm’s bustling shopping streets also showcase cutting edge trends for the fashion-conscious.

Mariehamn is the capital of the fractured Åland Islands, an autonomous region of Finland, which encompasses some 6,700 islands and skerries, which spray out across the Gulf of Bothnia towards Sweden. There’s ample opportunity to stretch your legs here, with every outdoor activity imaginable available, and you can breathe in the freshest sea air you’ve ever tasted, as you kayak between islands, stroll flower-speckled fields, and sizzle in outdoor hot tubs. Known for being one of the Baltic’s sunniest destinations, you’ll also find a healthy supply of charming beaches, where you can lap up the rays. The region serves as a gateway to the Gulf, and has been a key witness to countless struggles and tussles over the years. It has a proud maritime heritage, and you can take a voyage through the exhibitions of the Aland Maritime Museum to learn more. See the genuine pirate flag on display – which is one of only three known to still be in existence. Its ominous skull and crossbones are sure to shiver your timbers. You can also experience life aboard an ocean-faring ship from Mariehamn’s past, as you climb aboard the mighty, four-masted Pommern windjammer ship, which was donated to the museum once World War II had concluded.

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Sprinkled across the Baltic Sea between Sweden and Finland, no fewer than 6,700 islands and skerries make up this archipelago, which boasts rich seafaring tradition. Settled between the mighty Baltic sea capitals of Stockholm and Helsinki, Mariehamn is the comparatively pocket-sized capital of the Åland Islands, and a place of low-key, breezy appeal.Discover a walkable town’s streets where flowerbeds bloom, peacocks strut, and hammers tap away in traditional craft shops. Summer nights at this latitude are long and leisurely, with the sun barely taking rest during the midnight sun’s months. Blessed with extra hours, make excellent use of them by lounging in the cafes, or enjoying the hikes, beaches and wholesome foods of this fractured, confetti-spread archipelago. Named as one of Finland’s best museums, Åland’s maritime museum is a seafaring voyage through the islands’ proud traditions – where you can see a genuine skull and crossbones flag – which once flew above a pirate ship – before stepping aboard the Pommern windjammer ship museum.The capital’s Western Harbour was once home to the world’s largest fleet of wooden sea-sailing ships, which traded around the world. Leisurely, signposted walks along the coastline will provide more details on this illustrious history. The islands have also been treacherous over the years, however, and hundreds of wrecks rest below the waves, tempting scuba divers to explore. It was in the skeletal confines of one doomed ship where the world’s oldest champagne was discovered in 2010. Some of the prized bottles, dating back to the 1840s, are now on display in the town’s museum.

A city of the sea, Helsinki was built along a series of oddly shaped peninsulas and islands jutting into the Baltic coast along the Gulf of Finland. Streets and avenues curve around bays, bridges reach to nearby islands, and ferries ply among offshore islands.Having grown dramatically since World War II, Helsinki now absorbs more than one-tenth of the Finnish population. The metro area covers 764 square km (474 square miles) and 315 islands. Most sights, hotels, and restaurants cluster on one peninsula, forming a compact central hub. The greater Helsinki metropolitan area, which includes Espoo and Vantaa, has a total population of more than a million people.Helsinki is a relatively young city compared with other European capitals. In the 16th century, King Gustav Vasa of Sweden decided to woo trade from the Estonian city of Tallinn and thus challenge the Hanseatic League’s monopoly on Baltic trade. Accordingly, he commanded the people of four Finnish towns to pack up their belongings and relocate to the rapids on the River Vantaa. The new town, founded on June 12, 1550, was named Helsinki.For three centuries, Helsinki (Helsingfors in Swedish) had its ups and downs as a trading town. Turku, to the west, remained Finland’s capital and intellectual center. However, Helsinki’s fortunes improved when Finland fell under Russian rule as an autonomous grand duchy. Czar Alexander I wanted Finland’s political center closer to Russia and, in 1812, selected Helsinki as the new capital. Shortly afterward, Turku suffered a disastrous fire, forcing the university to move to Helsinki. The town’s future was secure.Just before the czar’s proclamation, a fire destroyed many of Helsinki’s traditional wooden structures, precipitating the construction of new buildings suitable for a nation’s capital. The German-born architect Carl Ludvig Engel was commissioned to rebuild the city, and as a result, Helsinki has some of the purest neoclassical architecture in the world. Add to this foundation the influence of Stockholm and St. Petersburg with the local inspiration of 20th-century Finnish design, and the result is a European capital city that is as architecturally eye-catching as it is distinct from other Scandinavian capitals. You are bound to discover endless engaging details—a grimacing gargoyle; a foursome of males supporting a balcony’s weight on their shoulders; a building painted in striking colors with contrasting flowers in the windows. The city’s 400 or so parks make it particularly inviting in summer.Today, Helsinki is still a meeting point of eastern and western Europe, which is reflected in its cosmopolitan image, the influx of Russians and Estonians, and generally multilingual population. Outdoor summer bars (“terrassit” as the locals call them) and cafés in the city center are perfect for people watching on a summer afternoon.

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A thriving flawlessly-designed seaside city Helsinki is famously livable and inspiring. A regional powerhouse of outstanding design and creativity Helsinki lies across a confetti scattering of 300 islands and skerries in the Gulf of Finland. Known for the light granite hue of its buildings – which lend the city a bright whitewashed appearance – traditional buildings mingle seamlessly with bold new structures showcasing Finland’s celebrated design outlook. Helsinki Cathedral is the crowning glory – rising high over the city’s waterfront with its pearly white domes gleaming.   A city that reveres knowledge and creativity above all else artworks and statues litter the streets and parks honouring creative minds of the past. Open parks offer space to lie back and soak up summer’s sun while sculptures like the abstract organs of the Sibelius Monument celebrate national heroes like composer Jean Sibelius – whose music gave Finland national identity in the quest for independence. Feel the stunning acoustics of the incredible Rock Church deep in your gut as you witness a performance in this collaboration between man and nature. Helsinki’s easy-going forward-thinking way of life was hard fought for and the spectacular Suomenlinna fortress rears out of the waves as a reminder of the historical struggles that have played out in this stretch of sea. Sail out to the quaint little beaches and waterfront pathways that now lend a calm peaceful ambience to this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Estonia’s history is sprinkled liberally with long stretches of foreign domination, beginning in 1219 with the Danes, followed without interruption by the Germans, Swedes, and Russians. Only after World War I, with Russia in revolutionary wreckage, was Estonia able to declare its independence. Shortly before World War II, in 1940, that independence was usurped by the Soviets, who—save for a brief three-year occupation by Hitler’s Nazis—proceeded to suppress all forms of national Estonian pride for the next 50 years. Estonia finally regained independence in 1991. In the early 1990s, Estonia’s own Riigikogu (Parliament), not some other nation’s puppet ruler, handed down from the Upper City reforms that forced Estonia to blaze its post-Soviet trail to the European Union. Estonia has been a member of the EU since 2004, and in 2011, the country and its growing economy joined the Eurozone. Tallinn was also named the European City of Culture in 2011, cementing its growing reputation as a cultural hot spot.

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A fairytale city of new and old Tallinn boasts one of the best-preserved UNESCO listed old towns in Northern Europe and balances the traditional and contemporary astutely. A beautiful Baltic capital of storied culture and history Tallinn is riding the wave of a burgeoning reputation as Europe’s hidden gem and it boasts a picturesque allure that few cities can rival. The European City of Culture award in 2011 was a symbol of the country’s increasing integration with the European Union and offered Tallinn a chance to showcase and upgrade its cultural marvels. Walk into the old town through Viru Gates past flower vendors and the smells of roasting nuts. Town Hall Square is the heart and soul of Tallinn and when you walk the narrow cobbled streets that open out into it you’re walking the same pathways that Tallinn’s people have walked since the 13th century. Surrounded by practically complete medieval walls lose yourself in deep museums and visit pretty churches like St. Olaf church – one of the city’s most famous with its sharp green spire puncturing the sky. Head to Kohtuotsa platform in the upper town for views of the city’s sea of red roofs interrupted by church towers and rounded turrets. From here climb Toompea Castle’s central hill before visiting the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral – easily recognisable by its bold colours and trio of black onion domes.

Estonia’s history is sprinkled liberally with long stretches of foreign domination, beginning in 1219 with the Danes, followed without interruption by the Germans, Swedes, and Russians. Only after World War I, with Russia in revolutionary wreckage, was Estonia able to declare its independence. Shortly before World War II, in 1940, that independence was usurped by the Soviets, who—save for a brief three-year occupation by Hitler’s Nazis—proceeded to suppress all forms of national Estonian pride for the next 50 years. Estonia finally regained independence in 1991. In the early 1990s, Estonia’s own Riigikogu (Parliament), not some other nation’s puppet ruler, handed down from the Upper City reforms that forced Estonia to blaze its post-Soviet trail to the European Union. Estonia has been a member of the EU since 2004, and in 2011, the country and its growing economy joined the Eurozone. Tallinn was also named the European City of Culture in 2011, cementing its growing reputation as a cultural hot spot.

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A fairytale city of new and old Tallinn boasts one of the best-preserved UNESCO listed old towns in Northern Europe and balances the traditional and contemporary astutely. A beautiful Baltic capital of storied culture and history Tallinn is riding the wave of a burgeoning reputation as Europe’s hidden gem and it boasts a picturesque allure that few cities can rival. The European City of Culture award in 2011 was a symbol of the country’s increasing integration with the European Union and offered Tallinn a chance to showcase and upgrade its cultural marvels. Walk into the old town through Viru Gates past flower vendors and the smells of roasting nuts. Town Hall Square is the heart and soul of Tallinn and when you walk the narrow cobbled streets that open out into it you’re walking the same pathways that Tallinn’s people have walked since the 13th century. Surrounded by practically complete medieval walls lose yourself in deep museums and visit pretty churches like St. Olaf church – one of the city’s most famous with its sharp green spire puncturing the sky. Head to Kohtuotsa platform in the upper town for views of the city’s sea of red roofs interrupted by church towers and rounded turrets. From here climb Toompea Castle’s central hill before visiting the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral – easily recognisable by its bold colours and trio of black onion domes.

Gotland is Sweden’s main holiday island, a place of ancient history, a relaxed summer-party vibe, wide sandy beaches, and wild cliff formations called raukar (the remnants of reefs formed more than 400 million years ago). Measuring 125 km (78 miles) long and 52 km (32 miles) at its widest point, Gotland is where Swedish sheep farming has its home. In its charming glades, 35 varieties of wild orchids thrive, attracting botanists from all over the world.

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Sweden’s holiday island of choice Visby is a pretty medieval city that has been delightfully frozen in time. A dramatically walled Hanseatic trading centre Visby faces out across a 60-mile gulf towards the Swedish mainland. An island of sparse scenic landscapes Gotland is dotted with quiet fishing villages roaming sheep and unusual limestone natural structures. With beautiful beaches as well as spell-binding history crowds from across Scandanavia and beyond set sail for these escapist shores every summer. Set on the Baltic Sea’s largest island the steep medieval walls of Visby are at once a gorgeously picturesque and incredibly imposing welcome to this UNESCO World Heritage Site. The oldest section the red-roof capped Gunpowder Tower is one of Sweden’s oldest surviving constructions. Inside the walls the elegant Cathedral of St. Mary’s rises with its pair of pepper-pot towers. Visby has an irresistible tangle of medieval streets with photo-opportunities waiting around every narrow bend. The scattering of ruined churches adds another layer of eerie beauty while a splash of colour is provided by blooming botanical gardens thriving within the island’s mild climate. A place of rich history visit museums to learn the island’s whole story – from its formation to the ancient inhabitants who have occupied its shores. For the best view head to Hogklint – a coastal cliff area on the south of Visby. Or explore the island via beautiful coastal bike trails.

Rīga has an upscale, big-city feel unmatched in the region. The capital (almost as large as Tallinn and Vilnius combined) is the business center of the area while original, high-quality restaurants and hotels have earned Rīga some bragging rights among its Western European counterparts. The city also doesn’t lack for beauty—Rīga’s Old Town (now a UNESCO World Heritage site) is one of Europe’s most striking examples of the art nouveau architectural style. Long avenues of complex and sometimes whimsical Jugendstil facades hint at Rīga’s grand past. Many were designed by Mikhail Eisenstein, the father of Soviet director Sergei. This style dominates the city center. In many ways, the wonder of Rīga resides less in its individual attractions and more in the fabric of the town itself. In the medieval Old Town, an ornate gable or architrave catches the eye at every turn. The somber and the flamboyant are both represented in this quarter’s 1,000 years of architectural history. Don’t hesitate to just follow where your desire leads—the Old Town is compact and bounded by canals, so it’s difficult to get totally lost. When the Old Town eventually became too crowded, the city burst out into the newer inner suburbs. The rich could afford to leave and build themselves fine fashionable mansions in the style of the day; consequently, city planners created a whole new Rīga. Across the narrow canal, you’ll find the Esplanāde, a vast expanse of parkland with formal gardens and period mansions where the well-heeled stroll and play. Surrounding this is the art nouveau district. Encompassing avenues of splendid family homes (now spruced up in the postcommunist era), the collection has been praised by UNESCO as Europe’s finest in the art nouveau style. The best examples are at Alberta 2, 2a, 4, 6, 8, and 13; Elizabetes 10b; and Strēlnieku 4a. If the weather permits, eschew public transport and stroll between the two districts, taking in the varied skylines and multifaceted facades, and perhaps stopping at a café or two as you go. The city has churches in five Christian denominations and more than 50 museums, many of which cater to eclectic or specialist tastes.

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Centred around a charming UNESCO World Heritage Site listed Old Town Latvia’s capital is a quirky and artistic place – with an extensive collection of gleaming art-deco architecture. With a quirky underbelly and beautifully preserved fairytale architecture it’s no wonder Riga is affectionately known as the Baltic Berlin. Ascend the tower of St. Peter’s Church for a view down over the gingerbread-architecture below. The House of Blackheads is one of the city’s standouts a historic trade guild’s meeting place it adds grace and grandeur to the spacious town square. The much-photographed Three Brothers lean together with their pastel-shaded facades and idiosyncratic personalities. Look out across the River Daugava for an example of modern Riga – the steel and glass of the National Library building. The Freedom Monument stands a full 42 meters tall and is a proud statue marking Lativa’s incredibly hard-won independence. Cavernous hangers – that once housed bomber zeppelins from the First World War – now host one of Europe’s biggest and best food markets. Soak up the smells and sights of Riga Central Market where you can taste pickles smoked herring and piragis – local rolls stuffed with bacon. Take time out in brightly painted cafes and flower-laced courtyards which serve up refreshments and dizzyingly strong self-brewed craft beers. Or head to the greenery of Bastejkalna Park to stroll the banks of the canal and over ornate bridges.

Warnemünde, officially a suburb of Rostock, is a quaint seaside resort town with the best hotels and restaurants in the area, as well as 20 km (12 miles) of beautiful white-sand beach. It’s been a popular summer getaway for families in eastern Germany for years.There is little to do in Warnemünde except relax, and the town excels brilliantly at that. However, Warnemünde is a major cruise-ship terminal. Whenever there is more than one ship at dock, the town explodes with a county fair–like atmosphere, and shops and restaurants stay open until the ships leave at midnight. The city celebrates the dreifache Anlauf, when three ships dock simultaneously, with fireworks.

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Warnemünde, officially a suburb of Rostock, is a quaint seaside resort town with the best hotels and restaurants in the area, as well as 20 km (12 miles) of beautiful white-sand beach. It’s been a popular summer getaway for families in eastern Germany for years.There is little to do in Warnemünde except relax, and the town excels brilliantly at that. However, Warnemünde is a major cruise-ship terminal. Whenever there is more than one ship at dock, the town explodes with a county fair–like atmosphere, and shops and restaurants stay open until the ships leave at midnight. The city celebrates the dreifache Anlauf, when three ships dock simultaneously, with fireworks.

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One of the world’s great canals the 60-mile-long Kiel Canal provides a spectacular water shortcut through Northern Europe. Opened in 1895 following eight years of construction at the hands of 9 000 men it has been upgraded twice since to serve the growth of both the ships it can accommodate and the rise in demand. The long waterway links the North Sea with the Baltic and this engineering marvel is now one of the world’s busiest shipping routes. Sparing ships from an arduous 280-mile journey around the sometimes challenging waters of the Danish peninsula. Ships from pleasure yachts to giant tankers cruise the gently curving artificial waterway – which is fringed by walls of forest green fields and occasional soaring bridges. The western entrance branches off from the mouth of the Elbe river at Brunsbüttel and you’ll easily spot the eastern entrance at Kiel-Holtenau where you are saluted by a Venetian bell tower as you sail the town’s fjord. Huge locks raise and lower the water level at the entrances and the leisurely transit takes roughly eight hours with plenty to look out for along the way. The Rendsburg High Bridge is a spectacular structure spanning the wide canal. It features a hanging gondola which can swing people and vehicles across from one side of the bank to the other. More recently the dramatic archway of the Levensau High Bridge was added.

Hamburg is Germany’s second-largest city with a history dating back to Charlemagne. A major port, this vibrant city is home to art and culture, extensive shopping facilities, Baroque buildings and waterfront vistas. With its well-known fish market, art galleries and Museums together with several beautiful parks including a botanical garden, this is a city with something for everyone. British visitors who remember the Swinging Sixties may like to visit the streets around Grosse Freiheit, where an unknown pop group called The Beatles gave their first public performances in various local clubs before achieving worldwide fame.

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Nestled snugly between the Baltic and North seas Germany’s second-biggest city is intersected by a frayed network of rivers and canals spanned by hundreds of pretty bridges. This quirky heritage-filled city has a distinct character and open outlook all of its own and continues to relish its role as Germany’s gateway to the world. The water brought Hamburg its wealth and vast redbrick warehouses stack up against the waterfront in the Speicherstadt district – now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. They linger from the era when the city was a Hanseatic League trading capital and the warehouses essentially formed a city unto themselves with goods brought and exchanged from distant shores. Elsewhere the Reeperbahn is a notorious and unabashed street of nocturnal mischief with shifty neon-lit nightclubs in amongst the city’s famous red-light district. Hamburg has a much more wholesome side too however and is a powerhouse of museums theatre and culture. It’s littered with over 100 music venues and the city played a crucial role in The Beatles’ early story. The spectacular Elbphilharmonie concert hall with its wavy surrealistic interior is a work of art in and of itself. The city has been named a European Green Capital and the vast Lake Alster adds to the airy pleasant atmosphere providing a spacious oasis of tranquillity. Planten un Blomen is another burst of zesty colour where fountains fan out and lilypads float on rhododendron-lined lakes.

Hamburg is Germany’s second-largest city with a history dating back to Charlemagne. A major port, this vibrant city is home to art and culture, extensive shopping facilities, Baroque buildings and waterfront vistas. With its well-known fish market, art galleries and Museums together with several beautiful parks including a botanical garden, this is a city with something for everyone. British visitors who remember the Swinging Sixties may like to visit the streets around Grosse Freiheit, where an unknown pop group called The Beatles gave their first public performances in various local clubs before achieving worldwide fame.

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Nestled snugly between the Baltic and North seas Germany’s second-biggest city is intersected by a frayed network of rivers and canals spanned by hundreds of pretty bridges. This quirky heritage-filled city has a distinct character and open outlook all of its own and continues to relish its role as Germany’s gateway to the world. The water brought Hamburg its wealth and vast redbrick warehouses stack up against the waterfront in the Speicherstadt district – now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. They linger from the era when the city was a Hanseatic League trading capital and the warehouses essentially formed a city unto themselves with goods brought and exchanged from distant shores. Elsewhere the Reeperbahn is a notorious and unabashed street of nocturnal mischief with shifty neon-lit nightclubs in amongst the city’s famous red-light district. Hamburg has a much more wholesome side too however and is a powerhouse of museums theatre and culture. It’s littered with over 100 music venues and the city played a crucial role in The Beatles’ early story. The spectacular Elbphilharmonie concert hall with its wavy surrealistic interior is a work of art in and of itself. The city has been named a European Green Capital and the vast Lake Alster adds to the airy pleasant atmosphere providing a spacious oasis of tranquillity. Planten un Blomen is another burst of zesty colour where fountains fan out and lilypads float on rhododendron-lined lakes.

Oslo is the capital of Norway and is also its largest city, situated at the head of Oslo Fjord and surrounded by hills and forests. Home to some 50 museums and full of galleries, cafés, a sculpture park and the Royal Palace, this vibrant city with its handsome 19th-century buildings and wide streets has much to offer. Its history dates back 1,000 years, and includes a rich seafaring heritage that ranges from the Viking era to Thor Heyerdahl’s Kon Tiki expedition. Discover more about this exciting city on our varied selection of excursions.

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Norway’s capital is a beautiful, stirring city – where old and new blends with thoughtful harmony. You’ll find maritime history mixing with trendy art galleries and cafes, while modernist architecture meets traditional palaces and historic sites. Unafraid to reinvent and evolve, visit a former prison that’s now a stylish gathering of galleries, or the grubby docklands that is now an urban-cool hangout spot. Ever-expanding, but with a green and progressive outlook, Oslo is urban planning done right. An outdoor city, where the sun shines until late in the summer, locals swarm to its green spaces – or the surrounding countryside to embark on natural adventures amid the sprawling mountains and lakes. Oslo City Hall pays tribute to the pioneers of peace and humanity, with the Nobel Peace Prize awarded here each year, and the winners honoured within. The beautiful Royal Palace caps the central Slottsplassen square and sparkles amid splashing fountains and peaceful gardens. The city’s contemporary buildings also gleam in summer’s sunshine, with the waterside Opera House boasting a particularly evocative, forward-thinking design. Its sleek white roof slopes gently upwards from ground level, inviting visitors to rise above and admire views of the island-sprinkled harbour. Oslofjord’s islands are stacked with more museums, celebrating everything from simple folk arts to adventurous seafaring traditions. See a mighty wooden Viking ship in full, with 800 years worth of history etched into its wooden boughs.

Oslo is the capital of Norway and is also its largest city, situated at the head of Oslo Fjord and surrounded by hills and forests. Home to some 50 museums and full of galleries, cafés, a sculpture park and the Royal Palace, this vibrant city with its handsome 19th-century buildings and wide streets has much to offer. Its history dates back 1,000 years, and includes a rich seafaring heritage that ranges from the Viking era to Thor Heyerdahl’s Kon Tiki expedition. Discover more about this exciting city on our varied selection of excursions.

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Norway’s capital is a beautiful, stirring city – where old and new blends with thoughtful harmony. You’ll find maritime history mixing with trendy art galleries and cafes, while modernist architecture meets traditional palaces and historic sites. Unafraid to reinvent and evolve, visit a former prison that’s now a stylish gathering of galleries, or the grubby docklands that is now an urban-cool hangout spot. Ever-expanding, but with a green and progressive outlook, Oslo is urban planning done right. An outdoor city, where the sun shines until late in the summer, locals swarm to its green spaces – or the surrounding countryside to embark on natural adventures amid the sprawling mountains and lakes. Oslo City Hall pays tribute to the pioneers of peace and humanity, with the Nobel Peace Prize awarded here each year, and the winners honoured within. The beautiful Royal Palace caps the central Slottsplassen square and sparkles amid splashing fountains and peaceful gardens. The city’s contemporary buildings also gleam in summer’s sunshine, with the waterside Opera House boasting a particularly evocative, forward-thinking design. Its sleek white roof slopes gently upwards from ground level, inviting visitors to rise above and admire views of the island-sprinkled harbour. Oslofjord’s islands are stacked with more museums, celebrating everything from simple folk arts to adventurous seafaring traditions. See a mighty wooden Viking ship in full, with 800 years worth of history etched into its wooden boughs.

Nicknamed “Sommerbyen” (“Summer City”), Norway’s fifth-largest city has 78,000 inhabitants. Norwegians come here for its sun-soaked beaches and beautiful harbor. Kristiansand has also become known internationally for the outdoor Quart Festival, which hosts local and international rock bands every July. According to legend, in 1641 King Christian IV marked the four corners of Kristiansand with his walking stick, and within that framework the grid of wide streets was laid down. The center of town, called the Kvadraturen, still retains the grid, even after numerous fires. In the northeast corner is Posebyen, one of northern Europe’s largest collections of low, connected wooden house settlements, and there’s a market here every Saturday in summer. Kristiansand’s Fisketorvet (fish market) is near the south corner of the town’s grid, right on the sea.

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The summer getaway of choice for Norwegians Kristiansand basks in summer’s glow and lays down a charming welcome mat for visitors from Scandinavia and beyond. While it radiates a summery old-time holiday charm Kristiansand is certainly no sleepy fishing village and Norway’s fifth-largest city is a modern green and culturally-rich city to explore. Posebyen Old Town is a delightful clutch of floral-shaded timber houses glowing with splashes of pink blossom and carefully cultivated floral displays. Kristiansand is a city fuelled by culture and a packed schedule of open-air festivals means there’s always something to celebrate or a show to see. The spectacular waterfront Kilden Performing Arts Centre is the city’s new crown jewel – settle into your seat in this beautifully designed golden wedge of a structure and feel the swell of the resident orchestra reaching a stirring climax. With delicious seafood food and plenty of shopping to boot you’ll be in no hurry to leave – but Kristiansand is a fantastic jumping-off point for unravelling Southern Norway scenic coastline of quiet fishing villages and scattered skerries. Sparkling waters forested hills and the freshest air awaits as you jump aboard local ferries meandering up and down the Norwegian Riviera navigating out to city beaches quiet islands and scenic fjords. Relax in a boat of your own haul huge salmon from the depths of the waters or settle back to soak up the Norwegian sun on the beach.

Overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, Stavanger flourished in the 19th century as a fishing port. While other towns in Norway have suffered with the decline of this industry, Stavanger has kept its economy booming by diversifying, first into shipbuilding and now into oil. These two contrasting industries have created a city of two halves – a modern area of high-rise buildings and a historic centre with cobbled streets and old wooden houses. The city centre was the birthplace of Alexander Kielland, one of the great 19th-century Norwegian novelists. Stavanger Cathedral, dating from 1125, is an impressive building and the only medieval cathedral in Norway that has not been substantially altered since it was first built. From Stavanger you can explore the attractive blue waters of Lysefjord, surrounded by cliffs and striking rock formations, and also visit Hafrsfjord where the Viking King Harald won an important battle that started the Unification of Norway. Those preferring to explore on their own may wish to visit the interesting Petroleum Museum.

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The city’s growth was fuelled by North Sea oil exploits and industry – but this being Norway you can prepare to visit a perhaps surprisingly charming place surrounded by spectacular landscapes of cutting fjords soaring mountains and sandy beaches. Any preconceptions of a lifeless industrial city are instantly allayed by the colourful Øvre Holmegate street. A gorgeous palette of candy-coloured wooden shops and cafes shine brightly along this picturesque row – and you can soak in the colours and the quaint charm of a stroll along the waterfront too. Museums explore Stavanger’s industries – from oil to sardine canning – and the Viking past of one of Norway’s oldest cities. The flower-tangled 173 white wooden houses of Gamle Stavanger are a delightful slice of preserved old Norway and gas lamps hang over uneven cobbled streets here. Norway’s oldest church Domkirken Cathedral looms up impressively having stood since the 12th century. Stretching from the city itself Lysefjord is one of Norway’s most striking and picturesque fjords – drenched in Viking history and mythology. Cruise the waters or hike to the majestic Preikestolen viewpoint where you can look out over an impossibly vast view from a height of 604 metres. One of Norway’s most iconic and most-visited natural sites your heart will be in your mouth as you get as close as you dare to the stunning vertical drop down to Lysefjord.

Surrounded by mountains and sparkling fjords, the waterside city of Bergen has a spectacular setting. There has been a settlement here since medieval times and the colourful waterfront buildings of the Hanseatic wharf, known as Bryggen, are testament to its fascinating history of trade. As Norway’s best known medieval settlement, the Bryggen is listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. Our comprehensive selection of excursions allows you to discover the many sides of Bergen, such as the fish market and narrow cobbled streets, as well as stunning views of the city from the summit of Mt Fløyen. Alternatively, those who have visited the city previously may like to experience one of the tours that travel further afield. Just 300 yards from the main piers, you will find the Fortress Museum (Fesningsmuseum), which has an interesting collection of objects related to World War II.

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The crooked, pastel-coloured warehouses of Bergen’s World Heritage waterfront lean together charmingly, welcoming visitors to this city at the heart of Norway’s most extraordinary cinematic landscapes. It may be the country’s second largest city, but the villagey feel here always provides a warm welcome – even when the weather is living up to its famously damp reputation. Bergen’s colourful waterfront, Bryggen, is a ramshackle line-up of incredible Hanseatic warehouses, built following the devastating fire of 1702, which ransacked the city. These iconic warehouses have stood proudly ever since, with Bergen growing and expanding around the colourful facades. Behind them, a labyrinth of narrow alleyways and wooden decking waits, alive with artisan craft shops and bustling galleries. Fløyen mountain watches over the city, and you can take a short but steep hike up to the panoramic viewpoints, or jump on the funicular, which trundles visitors up and down the incline. At the top, spectacular views of Bergen jutting out into the dark seas below unfold before your eyes. Wait until evening to see the sunset painting glorious golden light across the city and waves, and Bergen’s lights flickering into life. Nærøyfjorden, a deeply etched fjord nearby, is perhaps Norway’s most photographed and iconic piece of scenery. A cruise through the base of this spectacular narrow fjord, parting the glass-smooth inky waters, is an utterly humbling experience, as the claustrophobically-close slopes rise imposingly over you. Sognefjord also stretches out nearby, and is Norway’s longest fjord, adorned with plunging waterfalls and vibrant farms during summer.

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If we haven’t said it already, Norway’s luxury is its sheer natural beauty. And at the very top of the pile is the all-inclusive Flam, a destination that is home to Glacial waterways lined by evergreen forests amidst jagged mountains and sheer cliff walls. Situated inland, on the arm of the 204-kilometre Sognefjord, the village has just 400 inhabitants. Its little size does not belie its gigantic heart, and Flam’s expansive loveliness knows no bounds. In fact, UNESCO has dedicated the Sognefjord as a World Heritage Site for its exquisite natural beauty. There are many ways to imbibe in the beauty of this destination. Some of the more peaceful among you will enjoy just drinking it all in from the veranda or deck of your ship, while adrenaline bunnies will most probably want to jump in a Zodiac and gain first-hand experience that way. But beware! Travelling the shores of one of the deepest fjords may be exciting but it is also fast, wet and bumpy! Most visitors will not want to miss out on a one-hour train journey that has been describes by more than one source as being “the world’s most beautiful”. The Flam railway is iconic and will have you holding your breath as your travel through steep, winding roads, around massive mountains, and past gushing rivers and waterfalls. Scary? A little. Picturesque? No question. Worth it? Most definitely.

See the aqua blue ice of the Jostedal Glacier cascading down the stunning Oldedalen Valley, as you navigate the spindly fjords of Norway. Feel your breath catching in your throat, as you sail into this world of wonder, and the dramatic fjord scenery and interlocking valleys inspire you. The village of Olden opens up some of Norway’s most majestic natural wonders, from the glacier – which is mainland Europe’s largest – to the sloshing waterfalls that run off it, and the bowing forests that sway all around it. A visit to picturesque Olden is all thrilling panoramas and hikes through wildflower sprinkled trails. The Briksdalsbreen arm of ice, reaches out from the main glacier, and sits around an hour’s stroll from the village of Olden itself – regular busses can also take you there. Snaking through steep-sided valleys, you can enjoy a walk close to the foot of the ice, and feel the spray of the waterfalls that plummet nearby, as you breathe in some of the freshest air you’ve ever tasted. The crisp glacial meltwater is so clean and pure that it’s bottled up to be sold across Norway.

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Quaint wooden farmhouses sit below jagged mountain peaks, in this land of superlative natural features. Witness nature at its most spectacular, as you visit tiny Olden – a village of just 500 people, which is swallowed whole by its colossal surroundings. The village nestles at the mouth of the Oldeelva River, on the southern banks of Norway’s sixth-longest fjord, Nordfjord. Embark on dreamy lake cruises, confront cascading glaciers, and ascend to staggering viewpoints to survey the majesty from above. Olden is surrounded by valleys, carved by the slow grind of mighty glaciers, peeling off from immense ice caps. See mainland Europe’s largest, Jostedalsbreen, with its 22 arms spilling down into branches, which rest between mountains. Head for the blue-white terminus of the Briksdal Glacier, to admire the icy expanse up close, and hike the deeply picturesque surroundings. From Olden, you can sail out on the smooth waters of the scenic Nordfjord, or calmly kayak across its glassy surface, observing sharp peaks and cascading waterfalls. Take a coffee break at Lovatnet Lake – be sure to give the local waffles and strawberry jam a try – before heading out onto the gorgeous blue-green water, which is coloured by minerals and clay particles, washed in by the glacial water. The valley’s bulging mountain walls tower above you, as you glide across the magical surface. Nearby you’ll find the slightly larger village of Loen. Jump on the Skylift, and you can reach the bill-topping view from the 1,011-metre tall perch of Mount Hoven, where a spread of villages, fjords and mountains is set before you.

A small town in Norway’s fjord country, Åndalsnes is a gateway to the rugged wilderness of the Romsdalfjord. Known as the ‘village between the mountains and the fjords’, it typifies Norway’s striking natural beauty with its setting on a promontory lined by alps and set at the mouth of the Rauma River. The town itself is tucked under the lofty mountain peaks, backed by lush, green scenery. Nearby is the impressive Trollveggen, or ‘Troll Wall’, which at 6,000 feet is Europe’s highest vertical cliff face and is often topped by cloud. The precipice is said to be the ultimate trial for rock climbers, who regularly flock here to accept the challenge. Åndalsnes is also the terminus of the famous Rauma Railway which runs 70 miles alongside the emerald-green Rauma river and through some of Norway’s most spectacular scenery to Dombås (2160 feet above sea level) where it then connects to the main Oslo to Trondheim line.

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Åndalsnes is located at the mouth of the river Rauma, at the shores of the Romsdalsfjord, one of the fjords protected as a UNESCO world heritage site. Famous in the 19th century for salmon fishing, the Rauma flows through the Romsdalen Valley widely considered some of the most breathtaking scenery in all of Norway. Although the river’s salmon stocks are now being replenished, today Andalsnes is better known as a centre of excellenece for Norwegian alpine sports. Mountaineering, climbing, hiking and even base jumping are all readably accessible. A newly opened Norwegian Mountaineering centre boasts Norway’s highest indoor climbing wall. Some 15 kms out of Andalsnes is the Trollstigen (Troll Road), a mountain road that climbs the pass between the Isterdalen and Valldal valley. It’s one of Norway’s major attractions due to the steep inclines and eleven hairpin bends, only open in the summer months. Equally exciting is a three hour round rail trip from Andalsnes to Dombas on the Rauma Railway line. A feast for the eyes from the comfort of a carriage, mountains, valleys and waterfalls come into sight, as the route follows the Rauma river. Trains thoughtfully slow down at the most photogenic spots. A feat of civil engineering the track passes over countless bridges and through tunnels, the train even performs a 180 degree turn underground. Easily missed, look out at the train station in Andalsnes for a chapel converted from an old red “Intercity Special” railway carriage. The only train chapel in Norway and perhaps the world!

One of Scandinavia’s oldest cities, Trondheim was the first capital of Norway, from AD 997 to 1380. Founded in 997 by Viking king Olav Tryggvason, it was first named Nidaros (still the name of the cathedral), a composite word referring to the city’s location at the mouth of the Nidelva River. Today, it’s Central Norway’s largest (and Norway’s third largest) city, with a population of 150,000. The wide streets of the historic city center remain lined with brightly painted wood houses and striking warehouses. But it’s no historic relic: it’s also the home to NTNU (Norwegian University of Science and Technology) and is Norway’s technological capital.

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It may be Norway’s third-biggest city but there’s a welcoming and intimate feel here with a photogenic waterfront and glowing wooden warehouses adding old-time charm. Museums dedicated to Norway’s musical heritage will strike a sweet chord while the endless wilds of central Norway and the Trondheim Fjord unveil themselves close by. A destructive fire laid to rest to old Trondheim’s narrow wooden alleyways but a flavour of the old city survives in the Bakklandet neighbourhood. Traditional timber houses and colourful wharves line up along the waterfront painting a pretty picture with pistachio-green and turmeric-yellow licks of paint. Vibrating cyclists rattle along the cobbled old streets while flowers spill down from window ledges in this quaint but lively area of cafes restaurants and curiosity shops. Head to the Old Town bridge – Gamle Bybro – to enjoy the colourful lines of houses on both sides of the river on your way to the gothic Nidaros Cathedral which towers above the city with its pointed emerald-green spire punctuating the sky. The most northerly Gothic cathedral in Europe aim to visit during one of the organ performances that rattle the beautiful stain-glass windows. Built on the burial site of King Olaf in 1070 you can test your knees by taking on the narrow ascent of the tower where glorious views of Trondheim await. Take in the beauty of the city with a trundling tour aboard the most northerly tram in the world – Gråkallbanen.

With its centre located on the island of Tromsø, the municipality of Tromsø is more than five times the size of Norway’s capital, Oslo, and is the world’s northernmost university city. Lying 200 miles inside the Arctic Circle, it is known as the ‘Gateway to the Arctic’ because it was used as a starting point for hunters looking for Arctic foxes, polar bears and seals. In the 19th century it was a base for explorers on Arctic expeditions – a history that is remembered in the city’s Polar Museum, which you can visit on an excursion. Also commemorated in the area is the history of Norway’s indigenous people, the Sami. Visitors can learn about the traditions, heritage and modern preservation of the Sami culture at the Tromsø Museum. Nowadays, Tromsø is a charming mix of old and new, with wooden buildings sitting alongside contemporary architecture such as the impressive glacier-like Arctic Cathedral, which features one of the largest stained glass windows in Europe. Looking down on the city is Mount Storsteinen, and a cable car runs to the top, giving wonderful views over the surrounding countryside of forested peaks and reindeer pastures.

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Feel your heart flutter, as you catch your first glimpse of that famous emerald haze dancing across the stars, during your visit to this wonderful Arctic gateway. Located in the far north of Norway, a visit to Tromso beckons you to the extremes of this magical country, to explore a fairytale land of jagged mountains, glistening glaciers and husky-pulled sledges. Despite its remote location, you’ll discover a perhaps surprisingly cosmopolitan city, with a healthy student population injecting plenty of energy. Sat 250 miles above the Arctic Circle – at 69° north – you can bathe in the midnight sun’s glow during summer, before winter brings the thick blackness and starry skies of endless polar nights. The darkness doesn’t stop the fun – with a polar night half-marathon taking place in January – but the return of the sun is always a reason for a celebration here. To get the best view over the city, take the cable car to Storsteinen’s amazing viewpoint. Magnificent views down over the city, fjord and Tromso’s arching bridge will unravel before you. Learn more about northerly traditions, polar expeditions and arctic hunting at the Polar Museum. The Science Centre, meanwhile, explains how humans have harnessed and survived these epic landscapes over the years, and explores Tromso’s breathtaking natural spectacle – the northern lights. The city is famed for its extraordinary viewing opportunities, which are often said to be the best in the world. The Alpine Botanic Garden is the most northern such garden on the planet, showcasing some of Norway’s hardiest plantlife, which survives and thrives at this nose-bleeding altitude.

With its centre located on the island of Tromsø, the municipality of Tromsø is more than five times the size of Norway’s capital, Oslo, and is the world’s northernmost university city. Lying 200 miles inside the Arctic Circle, it is known as the ‘Gateway to the Arctic’ because it was used as a starting point for hunters looking for Arctic foxes, polar bears and seals. In the 19th century it was a base for explorers on Arctic expeditions – a history that is remembered in the city’s Polar Museum, which you can visit on an excursion. Also commemorated in the area is the history of Norway’s indigenous people, the Sami. Visitors can learn about the traditions, heritage and modern preservation of the Sami culture at the Tromsø Museum. Nowadays, Tromsø is a charming mix of old and new, with wooden buildings sitting alongside contemporary architecture such as the impressive glacier-like Arctic Cathedral, which features one of the largest stained glass windows in Europe. Looking down on the city is Mount Storsteinen, and a cable car runs to the top, giving wonderful views over the surrounding countryside of forested peaks and reindeer pastures.

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Feel your heart flutter, as you catch your first glimpse of that famous emerald haze dancing across the stars, during your visit to this wonderful Arctic gateway. Located in the far north of Norway, a visit to Tromso beckons you to the extremes of this magical country, to explore a fairytale land of jagged mountains, glistening glaciers and husky-pulled sledges. Despite its remote location, you’ll discover a perhaps surprisingly cosmopolitan city, with a healthy student population injecting plenty of energy. Sat 250 miles above the Arctic Circle – at 69° north – you can bathe in the midnight sun’s glow during summer, before winter brings the thick blackness and starry skies of endless polar nights. The darkness doesn’t stop the fun – with a polar night half-marathon taking place in January – but the return of the sun is always a reason for a celebration here. To get the best view over the city, take the cable car to Storsteinen’s amazing viewpoint. Magnificent views down over the city, fjord and Tromso’s arching bridge will unravel before you. Learn more about northerly traditions, polar expeditions and arctic hunting at the Polar Museum. The Science Centre, meanwhile, explains how humans have harnessed and survived these epic landscapes over the years, and explores Tromso’s breathtaking natural spectacle – the northern lights. The city is famed for its extraordinary viewing opportunities, which are often said to be the best in the world. The Alpine Botanic Garden is the most northern such garden on the planet, showcasing some of Norway’s hardiest plantlife, which survives and thrives at this nose-bleeding altitude.

With its centre located on the island of Tromsø, the municipality of Tromsø is more than five times the size of Norway’s capital, Oslo, and is the world’s northernmost university city. Lying 200 miles inside the Arctic Circle, it is known as the ‘Gateway to the Arctic’ because it was used as a starting point for hunters looking for Arctic foxes, polar bears and seals. In the 19th century it was a base for explorers on Arctic expeditions – a history that is remembered in the city’s Polar Museum, which you can visit on an excursion. Also commemorated in the area is the history of Norway’s indigenous people, the Sami. Visitors can learn about the traditions, heritage and modern preservation of the Sami culture at the Tromsø Museum. Nowadays, Tromsø is a charming mix of old and new, with wooden buildings sitting alongside contemporary architecture such as the impressive glacier-like Arctic Cathedral, which features one of the largest stained glass windows in Europe. Looking down on the city is Mount Storsteinen, and a cable car runs to the top, giving wonderful views over the surrounding countryside of forested peaks and reindeer pastures.

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Feel your heart flutter, as you catch your first glimpse of that famous emerald haze dancing across the stars, during your visit to this wonderful Arctic gateway. Located in the far north of Norway, a visit to Tromso beckons you to the extremes of this magical country, to explore a fairytale land of jagged mountains, glistening glaciers and husky-pulled sledges. Despite its remote location, you’ll discover a perhaps surprisingly cosmopolitan city, with a healthy student population injecting plenty of energy. Sat 250 miles above the Arctic Circle – at 69° north – you can bathe in the midnight sun’s glow during summer, before winter brings the thick blackness and starry skies of endless polar nights. The darkness doesn’t stop the fun – with a polar night half-marathon taking place in January – but the return of the sun is always a reason for a celebration here. To get the best view over the city, take the cable car to Storsteinen’s amazing viewpoint. Magnificent views down over the city, fjord and Tromso’s arching bridge will unravel before you. Learn more about northerly traditions, polar expeditions and arctic hunting at the Polar Museum. The Science Centre, meanwhile, explains how humans have harnessed and survived these epic landscapes over the years, and explores Tromso’s breathtaking natural spectacle – the northern lights. The city is famed for its extraordinary viewing opportunities, which are often said to be the best in the world. The Alpine Botanic Garden is the most northern such garden on the planet, showcasing some of Norway’s hardiest plantlife, which survives and thrives at this nose-bleeding altitude.

At 68 degrees North, Narvik lies 140 miles inside the Arctic Circle. Its history as a settlement began in the Stone Age, and Vikings are also known to have lived in the area. The modern town came into existence in the 1870s to serve the needs of the iron industry. Iron ore is mined in neighbouring Sweden and, as an ice-free port, Narvik was chosen as the ideal export location. The LKAB mining corporation is still a major employer and landowner in the area, shipping some 25,000,000 tons of iron ore from the port annually. This industrial heritage has shaped the town and now forms the basis of some of its most popular tourist attractions. In 1883 a co-owned British-Swedish company was given permission to build a railway connecting the Swedish iron mines in Kiruna to Narvik. It opened in 1902 and the town, then christened Victoriahavn, grew up around it. Unfortunately much of Narvik was destroyed in World War II. Invaded by the Nazis on 9 April 1940, it was later retaken by the Allies, representing the first military defeat of Hitler’s troops, but was evacuated as part of Operation Alphabet when it came under German occupation again. The local war museum documents the turbulent history of this period.

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Slap bang in the middle of Norway’s fjords islands and northern wonders Narvik is an ideal base from which to explore this magical region. A city since 1902 it sits on the coast of Ofotfjorden inside the Arctic circle. This northerly latitude means Narvik bathes in the midnight sun during summer’s months and is witness to the dazzling displays of the northern lights which enchant as they spill across the stars. Crisp clear skies make Narvik a prime destination for northern lights viewing and the natural setting of spiky mountains and soaring fjords generates a truly glorious spectacle amid incredible staging. Gondolas sway up to the slopes of Narvikfjellet ski resort which can tempt with fantastic skiing but also provides a prime spot for views of the lights flashing above. Look out over the vast panorama of the town curving along the fjord’s banks the Fagernesfjellet mountain and – hopefully – the emerald spread of the natural light display. Polar Park Arctic Wildlife Centre grants Norway’s wildest animals – including wolves bears and lynx – with a protected haven. Elsewhere a vast railway which once transported iron ore to the Swedish border now provides a dramatic rumble through the best of Norway’s mountain scenery and is one of the country’s most mesmerising rail journeys. Narvik was heavily affected by the Second World War and the city’s museum explains north Norway’s strategic importance and explores the German occupation here as well as the decisive battle for the city’s liberation.

Blessed with some of the most spectacular scenery in Norway (and goodness only know that this is land blessed with rolling hills, soaring peaks, valleys, tranquil fjords and white sandy beaches, so the competition is high!), Leknes is what Norway is meant to be. Pretty red houses lay dotted on the green covered hills, and the midnight sun is rises above the horizon from 26th May to 17th July, (while in winter the sun does not rise from 9th December to 4th January). Part of the stunning Lofoten islands, this pretty port offers much in the way of recreation, although understandably most of this is outdoor based. Take a boat ride around the archipelago, try your hand at some deep sea fishing, or simply stroll thought the city centre, perhaps rent a bicycle and discover the hinterland at your own pace. Bikes can be easily rented and note that hybrid and electric bikes are a great option for those who might be a bit out of practice with their pedal power. Gastronomes with a sweet tooth will be rewarded with one simple pleasure: a fresh-from-the-oven skillingsbolle – or big, fluffy cinnamon rolls, fit for indulging in if all the fresh air has made you hungry! Look out for the quirky coffee shops, settle down for some Norwegian kos, say takk for maten and enjoy!

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Blessed with some of the most spectacular scenery in Norway (and goodness only know that this is land blessed with rolling hills soaring peaks valleys tranquil fjords and white sandy beaches so the competition is high!) Leknes is what Norway is meant to be. Pretty red houses lay dotted on the green covered hills and the midnight sun is rises above the horizon from 26th May to 17th July (while in winter the sun does not rise from 9th December to 4th January). Part of the stunning Lofoten islands this pretty port offers much in the way of recreation although understandably most of this is outdoor based. Take a boat ride around the archipelago try your hand at some deep sea fishing or simply stroll thought the city centre perhaps rent a bicycle and discover the hinterland at your own pace. Bikes can be easily rented and note that hybrid and electric bikes are a great option for those who might be a bit out of practice with their pedal power. Gastronomes with a sweet tooth will be rewarded with one simple pleasure: a fresh-from-the-oven skillingsbolle – or big fluffy cinnamon rolls fit for indulging in if all the fresh air has made you hungry! Look out for the quirky coffee shops settle down for some Norwegian kos say takk for maten and enjoy!

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The biggest inside joke in Kristiansund is the mighty waterfall on the city’s coat of arms. There’s nary one to be found among the four low-lying islands that make up the city. There is, however, a thriving community of 23,000 which prides itself on a strong cultural life, ecological purity, natural beauty, and excellent fish. Ever-increasing numbers of tourists are discovering this as well and are taking full advantage.

The Geirangerfjord, which made the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2005, is Norway’s most spectacular and perhaps best-known fjord. The 16-km-long (10-mile-long), 960-foot-deep Geirangerfjord’s most stunning attractions are its roaring waterfalls—the Seven Sisters, the Bridal Veil, and the Suitor. Perched on mountain ledges along the fjord, deserted farms at Skageflå and Knivsflå are being restored and maintained by local enthusiasts.The village of Geiranger, at the end of the fjord, is home to fewer than 300 year-round residents, but in spring and summer its population swells to 5,000 due to visitors traveling from Hellesylt to the east. In winter, snow on the mountain roads often makes the village isolated.

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Witness Norway at its awe-inspiring best, while exploring one of the world’s most beautiful fjords. Geiranger nestles at the end of the majestic Geiranger fjord, itself a branch of the Storfjorden, the Great Fjord. While only 300 hardy souls live in the village when winter is biting, Geiranger’s population swells exponentially in the summertime, when the village becomes one of Norway’s most visited locations – providing a welcoming base for visitors coming to revel in the fantasy fjord’s glory. Sweeping horseshoe bends unveil the full majesty of Geiranger fjord, one of two Norwegian fjords singled out for UNESCO World Heritage Site status. Soak it all in, as you sail the ten-mile stretch of glorious scenery, decorated with cascading flows of water. The Seven Sisters is perhaps the most celebrated – sprawling down 250 metres like a flowing head of silvery hair. Look out across from these seven flows to the bottle-shaped waterfall known as The Suitor – legend says he tries eternally, to win the affections of the Seven Sisters opposite. Sail onwards, and you can feel the fresh spray on your face, up close and personal to another spectacular flow – Bridal Veil Waterfall. Geiranger’s fjord’s banks are decorated with abandoned farms, including Knivsflå, and Skageflå. Or you can experience life on a working cheese farm at Herdalssetra. Winding hairpin mountain roads offer some of Europe’s highest fjord views, while the Dalsnibba mountain – which stands close to the fjord – offers spine-tingling views from an epic 1,500-metre high pedestal. Get as close to the edge as you dare, and let this one-of-a-kind landscape of snow-capped mountain peaks and wide fjords utterly overwhelm you.

The coastal town of Ålesund is the commercial capital of the Møre og Romsdal district. But more important, it is noted for its characteristic Jugendstil (Art Nouveau) buildings, which some claim make Ålesund one of the most beautiful towns in Norway. This Art Nouveau style emerged when the town was completely rebuilt after a devastating fire in 1904 destroyed nearly 800 buildings and left 10,000 residents homeless. It is said that the fire started by a tipped oil lamp. Rebuilding was carried out with the help of many young, foreign architects who added their own flourishes to the architectural blend of German Jugendstil and Viking roots. Today, narrow streets are crammed with buildings topped with turrets, spires and gables that bear decorations of dragonheads and curlicues. As one of the few remaining Art Nouveau towns in the world, in 1998 Ålesund was awarded the coveted Houens National Memorial Prize for the preservation of its unique architecture.

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Decorative turrets pastel-coloured paint and elegant buildings reflect in the glass-smooth harbour waters of Ålesund welcoming you to one of the world’s finest havens of Art Nouveau architecture. A perfect complement of natural and man-made beauty the city’s distinctive jugendstil style is enhanced by a thrilling location amid colossal fjord scenery. Geirangerfjord World Heritage Site of is one of Norway’s most spectacular fjords and it comes alive in summer with gushing meltwater falls plummeting from steep banks to pristine water below. Undoubtedly one of the most beautiful towns in Norway practically every building in Ålesund boasts fantastical flourishes and eccentric quirks. Rebuilt from the ashes of the devastating fire that swept through in 1904 the town is now a unique historic treasure trove. Wander fairy-tale cobbled streets and admire endless dainty turrets and decorative swirls before reaching the Aksla Viewpoint and letting the true majesty of the town’s dreamlike setting wash over you while gazing over its archipelago. Enjoy a sugar-kick with a bite of folded svele – an indulgent buttery Norwegian pancake – or settle in to a cosy restaurant for something a little more substantial. Ålesundis a town built on sea trade and a regular haul of fjord cod is brought ashore before being distributed right across the world. Dried salted cod – known as klipfish – is a particular speciality with Ålesund producing an incredible two thirds of the world’s supply.

Seyðisfjörður, a beautiful 19th-century Norwegian village on the east coast of Iceland, is regarded by many as one of Iceland’s most picturesque towns, not only due to its impressive environment, but also because nowhere in Iceland has a community of old wooden buildings been preserved so well as here. Poet Matthías Johannessen called Seyðisfjörður a ‘pearl enclosed in a shell’. The community owes its origins to foreign merchants, mainly Danes, who started trading in the fjord in the mid-19th century. But the crucial factor in the evolution of the village was the establishment of the Icelandic herring fishery by Norwegians in 1870-1900. The Norwegians built up a number of herring-fishing facilities, and in a matter of years the little community grew into a boom town. Today, about 800 people live in Seyðisfjörður. The local economy has long been based on the fisheries, while light industry also flourishes. Tourism is playing a growing role, as the picturesque town in its spectacular surroundings attracts more and more visitors. The car/passenger ferry Norrøna, which plies between continental Europe and Iceland every summer, docks at Seyðisfjörður every Thursday. Seyðisfjörður has been a cosmopolitan community from its foundation, and the ferry service has contributed to ensuring that it remains so.

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A world of tumbling waterfalls and colourful creativity, Seydisfjordur is Iceland at its most epic and eccentric. A spectacular fjord lends the town its name, and the structures are dwarfed by this majestic setting, as they huddle around its glassy waters. Sail around the fjord, head out on a kayak amid the scenery, or venture to meet Puffins and other nesting birds settled on sharp cliffs. Encounter sea lions, or try some fishing as you immerse yourself in this highlight of the wild and wonderful Eastfjords. Herring fishing sustained this settlement founded by Norwegians in 1848, leading to a town of colourful wooden buildings, which gleam white against the moody scenery’s palette, providing a spirit-lifting splash of colour during the harsh winter months. A rainbow pathway leads to a pretty, pastel-blue church and there’s more local art and culture to unravel at Skaftfell, which displays bright and bold contemporary art. Its bistro also serves up a perfect caffeine hit and refreshments. Waiting on the open jaws of the Seydisfjordur, this is a gloriously picturesque town, and the steep fjord banks reflect beautifully on the smooth waters below. The snow-capped Bjólfur mountain stands above the town and invites you to crunch along hiking trails amid untouched nature – rewarding with mesmerising views across the fjord and town below. These hills can literally sing thanks to a unique sculpture – which resonates with a traditional five-tone harmony. The remote and gorgeous Skalanes Nature reserve is a major draw, with 47 bird species resting on its dramatic bird cliff, along with countless plant varieties.

The town of Húsavík sits below Húsavíkurfjall mountain on the eastern shore of Skjálfandi bay. Just above the town is lake Botnsvatn, a popular place for outings. The lake is just the right size for a nice hike around it. The lakes surroundings are rich in vegetation and bird life and trout is said to be abundant, though small. Húsavík harbour lies below the bank right in the heart of town. The harbour once boasted a large fishing fleet, bustling with the activity of fishermen. It still serves as a fishing harbour but today’s activity revolves more around the successful whale watching businesses. The first organised whale watching excursions in Iceland started from here in 1995. Since then, whale watching has become a major attraction and Húsavík continues to be the leading destination for whale watching. In addition to the tours, a fascinating whale museum is located right by the harbour. Húsavík is considered to be the oldest settlement in Iceland. The Swedish explorer, Gardar Svavarsson, spent one winter there in 870 AD during which time he built himself a house from which the settlement derives its name.

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There’s simply nowhere better than Husavilk – the European capital of whale watching – for getting up close and personal with the majestic giants of the ocean. Feel the awe as whales breach the waves around you before gulping in air and plunging away with almighty tale flicks. Pretty Husavik is framed by the majestic Húsavíkurfjall mountain which swells up behind creating a stunning backdrop for the town’s tiny wooden warehouses cherry red houses and undulating fishing ships. Sail among gentle giants in Shaky Bay spotting humpbacks minke whales and the world’s biggest – blue whales. You may also see teams of smaller white-beaked dolphins skipping across the waves displaying the full range of acrobatic skills. The town’s whale museum is an interesting journey through Iceland’s relationship with the sea giants while its restaurants serve up local specialities – taste juicy reindeer burger and plokkfiskur a buttery mash of local fish. Hikes and horseback rides into the surrounding countryside can take you up around Lake Botnsvatn to views down from the slopes of the Húsavíkurfjall – where purple spired lupin flowers spill down amongst the emerald slopes. From the summit look out over views of the bay reaching out to the crumpled snowy peaks beyond. Or feel the full force of this land of natural power at Dettifloss Waterfall one of Europe’s most powerful thrashing flumes.

Akureyri, called the Capital of the North is the second largest urban area in Iceland, and a lively one at that. Hemmed by the 60-km (37-mile) long Eyjafjörður, Akureyri is sheltered from the ocean winds and embraced by mountains on three sides. Late 19th-century wooden houses impart a sense of history, and the twin spires of a modern Lutheran church rising on a green hill near the waterfront, provide a focal point. To the south of Akureyri is the pyramid-shape rhyolite mountain Súlur. Beyond it is Kerling, the highest peak in Eyjafjörður District.

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Iceland’s Capital of the North is the gateway to a thrilling land of roaring waterfalls, soaring volcanoes and glorious wildlife. It may lie a mere 60 miles from the Arctic Circle, but Akureyi blossoms with a bright, cosmopolitan feel, and explodes into life during the summer months, when its outdoor cafes and open-air bathing spots fill up with visitors ready to immerse themselves in Iceland’s cinematic scenery. Feel the thundering impact of Iceland’s celebrated natural wonders shaking your bones at Godafoss Waterfalls, known as the ‘Waterfalls of the Gods’. Here, the Skjálfandafljót river unleashes a colossal torrent of water over charcoal-black rocks below. Or, find some peace at the Botanical Gardens, which opened in 1957 and offer space for contemplation – amid plants that bloom with unexpected vibrancy, even at this northerly latitude. The Lutheran, Akureyrarkirkja Church rises like a grand church organ and is the town’s most striking landmark. The 112-step climb is worth the effort to see light flooding in through its narrow stain glass windows, spreading colourful patchworks across the interior. Magic and mythology are important elements of Icelandic folklore, and you’ll even bump into giant sculptures of grizzled, child-snatching trolls on the town’s high street. Or, meet more earthly – but no less magical – creatures in the waters around Akureyi, where immense blue whales cruise by and dolphins playfully leap.

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A tiny town in the scenic north of Iceland cosseted away by a jagged wall of mountain peaks Siglufjordur is an isolated gem. Iceland’s northernmost town only a single-lane road tunnel bored through the snow-capped mountains provides a land link with the rest of the country. This evocative remoteness appealed to dark Nordic Noir writers – and the town has found recent fame as the star of the TV show Trapped. A much warmer welcome awaits you in real life than in fiction – fortunately. Siglufjordur is a historic Atlantic capital of herring fishing and you can learn of the industry that gave the town its raison d’etre and powered Iceland’s economy at the award-winning Herring Era Museum. The biggest maritime-themed museum in Iceland it spreads across three buildings and covers every element of the town’s relationship with its fishing waters – from expedition to preparation and preservation. While the industry has dried up since its heyday wander to the harbour for views of the pretty town’s cherry and lemon coloured former warehouses. Take a boat out around the scenic fjord or embark on lengthy hikes out and above this romantically isolated outpost. The sounds of beautiful duo vocal harmonies and accordions are often heard echoing along the streets and the Folk Music Museum is an enchanting look into quaint rural Icelandic culture. The Folk Music Festival causes the town’s population to swell dramatically as visitors make for these picturesque shores to play and perform each year.

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Sitting in the finger-like scenery of the Westfjords – which flays out from the mainland to form one of Europe’s most westerly points Patreksfjordur has barely 700 inhabitants and – like so many Icelandic communities – is built on time-tested fishing traditions. Discover wonderful crowds of birdlife clinging to the dramatic cliffs as you embark on adventures amid the Westfjords discovering flat-topped mountains cutting inlets and evocative windswept beaches. With their bright beaks and amiable features puffins are some of the most beautiful birds in the world – and they nest in huge quantities on Látrabjarg cliff close to Patreksfjordur. Vertically steep and imposing the birds are safe from predators like foxes here as they live and breed on the dramatically steep drop-offs. Wander to see them thriving in their natural habitat clinging to cliff ledges. You can also encounter gannets and guillemots as well as an estimated 40% of the world’s Razorbill population. Rauðasandur beach is one of Iceland’s more unusual sights a huge copper-red stretch of sand. Wander the dreamy shoreline and photograph the remote colourful collision of sea and sand. You’re also close to the majestic veil of Dynjandi waterfall which fans out across 60 metres as it descends. After a tough day’s hiking return to Patreksfjordur to admire fjord views and soak your muscles in an outdoor pool as the stars begin to appear above. Or head to the muscle-relieving naturally-heated geothermal pools that murmur nearby.

Sprawling Reykjavík, the nation’s nerve center and government seat, is home to half the island’s population. On a bay overlooked by proud Mt. Esja (pronounced eh-shyuh), with its ever-changing hues, Reykjavík presents a colorful sight, its concrete houses painted in light colors and topped by vibrant red, blue, and green roofs. In contrast to the almost treeless countryside, Reykjavík has many tall, native birches, rowans, and willows, as well as imported aspen, pines, and spruces.Reykjavík’s name comes from the Icelandic words for smoke, reykur, and bay, vík. In AD 874, Norseman Ingólfur Arnarson saw Iceland rising out of the misty sea and came ashore at a bay eerily shrouded with plumes of steam from nearby hot springs. Today most of the houses in Reykjavík are heated by near-boiling water from the hot springs. Natural heating avoids air pollution; there’s no smoke around. You may notice, however, that the hot water brings a slight sulfur smell to the bathroom.Prices are easily on a par with other major European cities. A practical option is to purchase a Reykjavík City Card at the Tourist Information Center or at the Reykjavík Youth Hostel. This card permits unlimited bus usage and admission to any of the city’s seven pools, the Family Park and Zoo, and city museums. The cards are valid for one (ISK 3,300), two (ISK 4,400), or three days (ISK 4,900), and they pay for themselves after three or four uses a day. Even lacking the City Card, paying admission (ISK 500, or ISK 250 for seniors and people with disabilities) to one of the city art museums (Hafnarhús, Kjarvalsstaðir, or Ásmundarsafn) gets you free same-day admission to the other two.

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The capital of Iceland’s land of ice, fire and natural wonder, Reykjavik is a city like no other – blossoming among some of the world’s most vibrant and violent scenery. Home to two-thirds of Iceland’s population, Reykjavik is the island’s only real city, and a welcoming and walkable place – full of bicycles gliding along boulevards or battling the wind when it rears up. Fresh licks of paint brighten the streets, and an artistic and creative atmosphere embraces studios and galleries – as well as the kitchens where an exciting culinary scene is burgeoning. Plot your adventures in the city’s hip bars and cosy cafes, or waste no time in venturing out to Iceland’s outdoor adventures. Reykjavik’s buildings stand together – below the whip of winter’s winds – together with the magnificent Hallgrímskirkja church, with its bell tower rising resolutely over the city. Iceland’s largest church’s design echoes the lava flows that have shaped this remote land and boasts a clean and elegant interior. The Harpa Concert Hall’s sheer glass facade helps it to assimilate into the landscape, mirroring back the city and harbour. Its LED lights shimmer in honour of Iceland’s greatest illuminated performance – the northern lights. Walk in the crusts between continents, feel the spray from bursts of geysers and witness the enduring power of Iceland’s massive waterfalls. Whether you want to sizzle away in the earth-heated geothermal pools, or hike to your heart’s content, you can do it all from Reykjavik – the colourful capital of this astonishing outdoor country.

Sprawling Reykjavík, the nation’s nerve center and government seat, is home to half the island’s population. On a bay overlooked by proud Mt. Esja (pronounced eh-shyuh), with its ever-changing hues, Reykjavík presents a colorful sight, its concrete houses painted in light colors and topped by vibrant red, blue, and green roofs. In contrast to the almost treeless countryside, Reykjavík has many tall, native birches, rowans, and willows, as well as imported aspen, pines, and spruces.Reykjavík’s name comes from the Icelandic words for smoke, reykur, and bay, vík. In AD 874, Norseman Ingólfur Arnarson saw Iceland rising out of the misty sea and came ashore at a bay eerily shrouded with plumes of steam from nearby hot springs. Today most of the houses in Reykjavík are heated by near-boiling water from the hot springs. Natural heating avoids air pollution; there’s no smoke around. You may notice, however, that the hot water brings a slight sulfur smell to the bathroom.Prices are easily on a par with other major European cities. A practical option is to purchase a Reykjavík City Card at the Tourist Information Center or at the Reykjavík Youth Hostel. This card permits unlimited bus usage and admission to any of the city’s seven pools, the Family Park and Zoo, and city museums. The cards are valid for one (ISK 3,300), two (ISK 4,400), or three days (ISK 4,900), and they pay for themselves after three or four uses a day. Even lacking the City Card, paying admission (ISK 500, or ISK 250 for seniors and people with disabilities) to one of the city art museums (Hafnarhús, Kjarvalsstaðir, or Ásmundarsafn) gets you free same-day admission to the other two.

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The capital of Iceland’s land of ice, fire and natural wonder, Reykjavik is a city like no other – blossoming among some of the world’s most vibrant and violent scenery. Home to two-thirds of Iceland’s population, Reykjavik is the island’s only real city, and a welcoming and walkable place – full of bicycles gliding along boulevards or battling the wind when it rears up. Fresh licks of paint brighten the streets, and an artistic and creative atmosphere embraces studios and galleries – as well as the kitchens where an exciting culinary scene is burgeoning. Plot your adventures in the city’s hip bars and cosy cafes, or waste no time in venturing out to Iceland’s outdoor adventures. Reykjavik’s buildings stand together – below the whip of winter’s winds – together with the magnificent Hallgrímskirkja church, with its bell tower rising resolutely over the city. Iceland’s largest church’s design echoes the lava flows that have shaped this remote land and boasts a clean and elegant interior. The Harpa Concert Hall’s sheer glass facade helps it to assimilate into the landscape, mirroring back the city and harbour. Its LED lights shimmer in honour of Iceland’s greatest illuminated performance – the northern lights. Walk in the crusts between continents, feel the spray from bursts of geysers and witness the enduring power of Iceland’s massive waterfalls. Whether you want to sizzle away in the earth-heated geothermal pools, or hike to your heart’s content, you can do it all from Reykjavik – the colourful capital of this astonishing outdoor country.

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At the northern tip of Newfoundland and with only 2,500 inhabitants, St. Anthony is the hub of the Great Northern Peninsula. Together with Ilulissat and Twillingate, St. Anthony claims to be the “Iceberg Capital of the World”. Most of the icebergs do come from Ilulissat’s Icefjord and large icebergs are mainly seen from late spring to mid-summer. Fishermen from St. Malo had used the St. Anthony Bight and adjacent bay as a shelter for their boats and the name goes back to 1534 and Jacques Cartier. French fishermen used the rich fishing grounds, area and bay until the 1800s. Renamed St. Anthony Haven, it was later shortened again to St. Anthony.Dr. Wilfred Grenfell, a medical missionary who first served as surgeon on a hospital ship, chose St. Anthony as the site for a hospital for northern Newfoundland in 1900 and from then on St. Anthony became an important center for mission work. The Sir Wilfred Thomason Grenfell Historical Society has restored Grenfell’s home which now is a museum. St. Anthony also permits land access to the Norse site at L’Anse aux Meadows (UNESCO World Heritage Site).

Havre St. Pierre is a tiny seaside port on the north shore of the Saint Lawrence River in Quebec. It was settled in 1857 by Acadians from the Magdalen Island, and still today locals speak a dialect more similar to Acadian French than to Quebec French. It was originally called Saint-Pierre-de-la-Pointe-aux-Esquimaux until 1927, when it was officially shortened to Havre St Pierre. Until recently the local economy relied mainly on fishing and lumbering, today it is mainly a titanium ore-transhipment port. Nearby is one of the world’s most amazing natural phenomena – the Mingan Archipelago. They are the largest group of erosional monoliths in Canada, and were declared a Nation Park in 1984. These limestone monoliths have formed over thousands of years by wave action, strong winds and seasonal freezing and thawing. The result is a unique set of large limestone sculptures.

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The otherworldly limestone structures of the Mingan Archipelago await at Havre St. Pierre Quebec’s most northerly call. Perched on the northern shore of the mighty St Lawrence River’s gaping jaws – and looking out across the vast stretch of water to the distant Anticosti Island – where white-tailed deer stalk dense forests – Havre St. Pierre is a feast of staggering scenery and diverse wildlife. The Mingan Archipelago’s monolith treasures have been carefully painstakingly sculpted by Mother Nature’s hand – using ocean wind and ice erosion to create towering rock outcrops which stand improbably counterweighted and precariously balanced over the waters. Sail between the scattered array of islands and formations and keep your eyes peeled – you may be joined by pods of friendly minke whales as you weave between skerries and rocky isles. Look out for eagles soaring overhead too and the colourful puffins which nest on the sheer cliffs. Back at Havre St. Pierre stroll isolated river beaches and wander the wooden boardwalk to soak in panoramas of the world’s largest estuary – which lures the world’s mightiest animal the blue whale to feast in its krill-rich depths. A walk out to the quaint lighthouse which crowns the shore is a pleasant way to spend an afternoon or you can take some time to learn a little more about the culture and traditions of the region’s Inuit people.

Québec City’s alluring setting atop Cape Diamond (Cap Diamant) evokes a past of high adventure, military history, and exploration. This French-speaking capital city is the only walled city north of Mexico. Visitors come for the delicious and inventive cuisine, the remarkable historical continuity, and to share in the seasonal exuberance of the largest Francophone population outside France.The historic heart of this community is the Old City (Vieux-Québec), comprising the part of Upper Town (Haute-Ville) surrounded by walls and Lower Town (Basse-Ville), which spreads out at the base of the hill from Place Royale. Many sets of staircases and the popular funicular link the top of the hill with the bottom. Cobblestone streets, horse-drawn carriages, and elaborate cathedrals here are charming in all seasons. The Old City earned recognition as an official UNESCO World Heritage site in 1985, thanks largely to city planners who managed to update and preserve the 400-year-old buildings and attractions without destroying what made them worth preserving. The most familiar icon of the city, Fairmont Château Frontenac, is set on the highest point in Upper Town, where it holds court over the entire city.Sitting proudly above the confluence of the St. Lawrence and St. Charles rivers, the city’s famous military fortification, La Citadelle, built in the early 19th century, remains the largest of its kind in North America. In summer, visitors should try to catch the Changing of the Guard, held every morning at 10 am; you can get much closer to the guards here than at Buckingham Palace in London.Enchanting as it is, the Old City is just a small part of the true Québec City experience. Think outside the walls and explore St-Roch, a downtown hot spot, which has artsy galleries, foodie haunts, and a bustling square. Cruise the Grande-Allée and avenue Cartier to find a livelier part of town dotted with nightclubs and fun eateries. Or while away the hours in St-Jean-Baptiste, a neighborhood with trendy shops and hipster hangouts.

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Established by the French settler Samuel de Champlain before the British landed on these shores Quebec City – initially known as New France – is one of North America’s oldest cities. Towering over the banks of the Saint-Lawrence River Quebec City relishes in details and eccentricities and has reams of rich history and beautiful architecture – like the famous Château Frontenac. This chandelier-clad castle watches over the city and is said to be the world’s most photographed hotel. The wooden boardwalk of the canon-lined Dufferin Terrace offers stunning views of the city from its elevated standpoint. The French storybook feel has been delightfully protected and preserved in Quebec City’s storied old quarter and a funicular links the upper and lower towns of this historic core. The 400-year-old fortified city is unique to North America and a celebrated UNESCO World Heritage Site. Mind your step as you wander through uneven cobbled streets to Place Royale – the charming spot where the city was founded – and between the bistros boulevards and boutiques of the dainty Quartier Petit Champlain area. There’s a wide variety of delicious international food to try and of course – greasy helpings of poutine. Taste local cheeses at the Marché du Vieux-Port indoor market where you’ll sink your teeth into buttery cakes pastries and encounter Canada’s fabled tree sap maple syrup – revered like wine in these parts.

Québec City’s alluring setting atop Cape Diamond (Cap Diamant) evokes a past of high adventure, military history, and exploration. This French-speaking capital city is the only walled city north of Mexico. Visitors come for the delicious and inventive cuisine, the remarkable historical continuity, and to share in the seasonal exuberance of the largest Francophone population outside France.The historic heart of this community is the Old City (Vieux-Québec), comprising the part of Upper Town (Haute-Ville) surrounded by walls and Lower Town (Basse-Ville), which spreads out at the base of the hill from Place Royale. Many sets of staircases and the popular funicular link the top of the hill with the bottom. Cobblestone streets, horse-drawn carriages, and elaborate cathedrals here are charming in all seasons. The Old City earned recognition as an official UNESCO World Heritage site in 1985, thanks largely to city planners who managed to update and preserve the 400-year-old buildings and attractions without destroying what made them worth preserving. The most familiar icon of the city, Fairmont Château Frontenac, is set on the highest point in Upper Town, where it holds court over the entire city.Sitting proudly above the confluence of the St. Lawrence and St. Charles rivers, the city’s famous military fortification, La Citadelle, built in the early 19th century, remains the largest of its kind in North America. In summer, visitors should try to catch the Changing of the Guard, held every morning at 10 am; you can get much closer to the guards here than at Buckingham Palace in London.Enchanting as it is, the Old City is just a small part of the true Québec City experience. Think outside the walls and explore St-Roch, a downtown hot spot, which has artsy galleries, foodie haunts, and a bustling square. Cruise the Grande-Allée and avenue Cartier to find a livelier part of town dotted with nightclubs and fun eateries. Or while away the hours in St-Jean-Baptiste, a neighborhood with trendy shops and hipster hangouts.

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Established by the French settler Samuel de Champlain before the British landed on these shores Quebec City – initially known as New France – is one of North America’s oldest cities. Towering over the banks of the Saint-Lawrence River Quebec City relishes in details and eccentricities and has reams of rich history and beautiful architecture – like the famous Château Frontenac. This chandelier-clad castle watches over the city and is said to be the world’s most photographed hotel. The wooden boardwalk of the canon-lined Dufferin Terrace offers stunning views of the city from its elevated standpoint. The French storybook feel has been delightfully protected and preserved in Quebec City’s storied old quarter and a funicular links the upper and lower towns of this historic core. The 400-year-old fortified city is unique to North America and a celebrated UNESCO World Heritage Site. Mind your step as you wander through uneven cobbled streets to Place Royale – the charming spot where the city was founded – and between the bistros boulevards and boutiques of the dainty Quartier Petit Champlain area. There’s a wide variety of delicious international food to try and of course – greasy helpings of poutine. Taste local cheeses at the Marché du Vieux-Port indoor market where you’ll sink your teeth into buttery cakes pastries and encounter Canada’s fabled tree sap maple syrup – revered like wine in these parts.

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Rising in the heart of the Gulf of Saint Lawrence the archipelago of Iles-de-la-Madeleine offers diverse wildlife and sweeping coastal scenery. The somewhat precarious location of these 12 islands in the middle of the world’s most immense estuary means they have historically been something of a ship graveyard. The craggy red rocks that emerge suddenly from the waves here have gashed the hulls of countless ships in times gone by. A gang of six pretty lighthouses share the task of warning of the islands’ treacherous waters while simultaneously providing a scenic twinkle amid the copper-coloured cliffs and coastal archways. The 55 mile-long stretch of Route 199 provides the backbone of the island tying the seven inhabited landforms together along with a chain of undulating sand dunes. Each of the islands has its own character and profile to explore – offering everything from windswept beaches to sheltered lagoons and rolling emerald hills. Whales cruise through the deep waters offshore and you can sail up close and personal to the marine mammals as well as the seals who are occasionally spotted lounging around on floating chunks of ice. Port du Millerand’s flotilla of fishing boats reap the rewards of the location bringing home vast hauls so local restaurants can serve up the freshest lobster mussels and crab. With bird watching coastal golf courses water-sports and diving opportunities among the many recreations on offer here – this clutch of estuary islands has something for everyone.

If you come directly to Cape Breton via plane, ferry, or cruise ship, Sydney is where you’ll land. If you’re seeking anything resembling an urban experience, it’s also where you’ll want to stay: after all, this is the island’s sole city. Admittedly, it is not the booming center it was a century ago when the continent’s largest steel plant was located here (that era is evoked in Fall on Your Knees, an Oprah Book Club pick penned by Cape Bretoner Anne-Marie MacDonald). However, Sydney has a revitalized waterfront and smattering of Loyalist-era buildings that appeal to visitors. Moreover, it offers convenient access to popular attractions in the region—like the Miner’s Museum in nearby Glace Bay (named for the glace, or ice, that filled its harbor in winter), the Fortress at Louisbourg, and beautiful Bras d’Or Lake.

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Surrounded by raw ocean and gorgeous coastal scenery, Cape Breton island’s only city is a remote and awe-inspiring place. Formed around a former steel plant, Sydney now thrives on welcoming visitors, ushering them into the very heart of beautiful Nova Scotia. Delve deep into the heart of this scenic island, to see extraordinary natural sights and learn of the customs of the native Mi’kmaq people in Membertou Heritage Park. Wander the tidy new boardwalk, and hike among wild and rugged coastline, capped by flashing lighthouses. A place of thrilling, undulating coastal drives, pretty historic colonial houses dating back to the 1780s, and craggy coastal walks, Sydney is effortlessly easy on the eye. The waterfront is the best place to take a stroll, accompanied by the rustle of washing waves and the gentle melodies of musicians. There’s always a song in the air here, and you can even visit the unique monument to the region’s tuneful talents at the world’s biggest fiddle. The adjacent market will be music to any shopper’s ears. Open-air exhibitions like the Nova Scotia Highland Village Museum, bring together the local culture, while elsewhere you can learn of the coal mining that transformed Sydney into a thriving steel capital. Alexander Graham Bell spent time on these shores in nearby Baddeck – and you can find out more about his life and innovations – which were far more comprehensive than just the telephone – in the dedicated museum. Although Sydney was founded by the British in 1785, there were plenty of tussles with the French over the years that followed. Get an insight into the region’s military past, brought to life at the Fortress of Louisbourg – a massive, reconstructed French fortified city, where soldiers clank along the streets and artisans stir thick bowls of melted chocolate.

Like any seaport worth its salt, Saint John is a welcoming place but, more than that, it is fast transforming into a sophisticated urban destination worthy of the increasing number of cruise ships that dock at its revitalized waterfront. Such is the demand that a second cruise terminal opened in 2012, just two years after the first one, and 2013 will see the two-millionth cruise passenger disembark. All the comings and goings over the centuries have exposed Saint Johners to a wide variety of cultures and ideas, creating a characterful Maritime city with a vibrant artistic community. Visitors will discover rich and diverse cultural products in its urban core, including a plethora of art galleries and antiques shops in uptown.Industry and salt air have combined to give parts of Saint John a weather-beaten quality, but you’ll also find lovingly restored 19th-century wooden and redbrick homes as well as modern office buildings, hotels, and shops.The natives welcomed the French explorers Samuel de Champlain and Sieur de Monts when they landed here on St. John the Baptist Day in 1604. Then, nearly two centuries later, in May 1783, 3,000 British Loyalists fleeing the aftermath of the American Revolutionary War poured off a fleet of ships to make a home amid the rocks and forests. Two years later the city of Saint John became the first in Canada to be incorporated.Although most of the Loyalists were English, there were some Irish among them. After the Napoleonic Wars in 1815, thousands more Irish workers found their way to Saint John. It was the Irish potato famine of 1845 to 1852, though, that spawned the largest influx of Irish immigrants, and today a 20-foot Celtic cross on Partridge Island at the entrance to St. John Harbour stands as a reminder of the hardships and suffering they endured. Their descendants make Saint John Canada’s most Irish city, a fact that’s celebrated in grand style each March with a weeklong St. Patrick’s celebration.The St. John River, its Reversing Rapids, and Saint John Harbour divide the city into eastern and western districts. The historic downtown area (locally known as “uptown”) is on the east side, where an ambitious urban-renewal program started in the early 1980s has transformed the downtown waterfront. Older properties have been converted into trendy restaurants and shops, while glittering new apartment and condo buildings will take full advantage of the spectacular view across the bay. Harbour Passage, a redbrick walking and cycling path with benches and lots of interpretive information, begins downtown at Market Square and winds along the waterfront all the way to the Reversing Rapids. A shuttle boat between Market Square and the falls means you have to walk only one way. On the lower west side, painted-wood homes with flat roofs—characteristic of Atlantic Canadian seaports—slope to the harbor. Industrial activity is prominent on the west side, which has stately older homes on huge lots.Regardless of the weather, Saint John is a delightful city to explore, as so many of its key downtown attractions are linked by enclosed overhead pedways known as the “Inside Connection.”

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Looking out over the gaping Bay of Fundy, which brews with incredible tidal power, Saint John is surrounded by incredible natural spectacles. Canada’s oldest incorporated city, the history here dates back to 1604, and the redbrick warehouses of the waterfront have been given a new lease of life as busy pubs, microbreweries and trendy cafes. Historic architecture has been beautifully preserved, and forts nearby offer privileged vantage points over raw and wild coastal landscapes.A place to feel the full force of nature, Saint John is surrounded by tides that swell and fall dramatically. This generates an unusual phenomenon known as the Reversing Rapids – created by the collision of the Saint John River and the Bay of Fundy’s waters. Frothing whirlpools and burbling rapids are generated at high tide, forcing the river’s flow into reverse, back up the river mouth. The Reversing Falls Bridge stretches across this extraordinary natural performance, with a newly installed skywalk offering a hair-raising perspective from above. The Fundy Footpath takes you out into the fresh air, to look down over tumbling cliffs, and tree-lined coastline that breaks off to quiet pebbled beaches. Saint Martins’ famous sea caves are nearby, revealed when the tide ebbs away and the seabed is exposed. Stonehammer Geopark’s landscapes – forged by continental plates smashing together – are also within reach.Listen for the bell that rings out from Saint John City Market, North America’s oldest uninterrupted farmer’s market, which first opened in 1876. Try scallops, wrapped with bacon and drizzled with maple syrup, or the quintessential lobster roll. The beautiful Imperial Theatre is Saint John’s cultural hub, and the venue for a refined evening’s entertainment.

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This Cape Cod Canal Transit is a rare must for any travel savvy guest. With two fixed bridges over the canal, clearance is a problem for bigger ships but Silversea’s small size ships allow us to glide through as if we were a passenger yacht. For guests lucky enough to be travelling in the daylight, the surrounding scenic spectacle is something truly to behold. If you are travelling during migrating season, be on the lookout for temporary residents such as the Great Blue Heron and the Red-tailed hawk. As the cape is surrounded by a hybrid of temperate sub-tropical waters and polar ice floes, marine mammal spotters will rejoice as they vie to spot some of the huge variety of wildlife that lives in the canal including the endangered North American Right Whale. For guests traversing the canal at night, we assure you a smooth passage. With a maximum speed of just 8.5 knots authorised by the U.S. Marine authorities, you can be sure you’ll glide by the pretty New England shore side in plenty of Silversea comfort

From Wall Street’s skyscrapers to the neon of Times Square to Central Park’s leafy paths, New York City pulses with an irrepressible energy. History meets hipness in this global center of entertainment, fashion, media, and finance. World-class museums like MoMA and unforgettable icons like the Statue of Liberty beckon, but discovering the subtler strains of New York’s vast ambition is equally rewarding: ethnic enclaves and shops, historic streets of dignified brownstones, and trendy bars and eateries all add to the urban buzz.

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New York, is a cultural powerhouse like no other. Liberally scattered with familiar landmarks, world-leading museums, and with an atmosphere and infectious energy found nowhere else, any visit to this one-of-a-kind cinematic city is a frantic, fascinating feast for the senses. Where New York leads, others follow and this city is a proud trailblazer. On the cusp of trends, but with plenty of traditions, New York is a world to itself, and endless opportunities and experiences await between its audacious skyscrapers.Whether it’s cycling through the leafy oasis of Central Park, rising to the iconic cityscape views atop the Empire State Building or walking to Brooklyn’s hipster appeal across the Brooklyn Bridge’s chained expanse, New York City feels at once familiar and fantastical. Leading museums and galleries like the MET, the Guggenheim and Museum of Modern Art add cultural intrigue matched by few others, while the flashing lights of Broadway mark the pinnacle of careers and provide world-class entertainment. Also scarred by tragedy, New York City responded to its darkest day with thoughtful memorials of loss, and by boldly reaching higher – the glassy new One World Trade Center building is the northern hemisphere’s tallest skyscraper. Drop in on Wall Street’s excesses, before sailing out from the financial district’s reaching towers to the waves below Lady Liberty’s gaze. At night the city lights up with shows, and roof-top restaurants serve up innovative dishes above the glowing, buzzing streets below.